possible scabies

[theblondeone]

a few weeks ago, I took a double dose of acyclovir, by mouth.  the next day I developed an itching rash on my abdomen which I attributed to the acyclovir and stopped taking it.  Its been almost 2 months, the rash on the stomach went away.  some of it had spread to my arms and hands and groin area.  Now there are 2 spots on my groin area, and 2 in between my fingers and a couple on my wrists.  my elbows and my abdomen and groin itch still, but its not an intense itch like scabies is described to be.  It doesnt look like any photos really except where I have scratched and caused scabs to form here and  there.  But what is wierd is that 2 of them on my hand kind of looked a bit linear, not circular.  I read that the rash due to scabies is caused by an allergic reaction.  If this is true, then couldn't an allergic reaction to other things, like acyclovir for example have the same MO as scabies?  Should I get the treatment for scabies?  No one around me has scabies either.  How long does it take for an allergic reaction to a medication to completely subside?  I wonder if I had an allergic reaction or if I have some mild scabies?  Is there such a thing as mild scabies?  

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

First of all, scabies is out of the question.  Your description doesn't match it, no one else has it, etc. etc.  So forget about it, because thinking you have bugs will make you itch.  Also forget about Acyclovir allergy, because that drug rarely if ever causes allergies, and anyhow you've been off it and allergies go away when you stop something that causes them.  I suspect either eczema or stress or both.  I suggest you use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream like Sarna Sensitive lotion as often as you need to for itch, and that you see a skin doctor for definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[anontina]

A related discussion, rash and acyclovir? was started.