Burning, Itching, Painful

[louise91]

From my belly button to mid-back, from right under my bust line to the top of where my pant line would be was extremely itchy for about a week. I think it is a mixture of these 3 bug bites I had on my back and dry skin, due to lack of lotion. The bug bites didn't cause any alarm, they healed fine and weren't itchy any longer.

However, after the bites healed my skin began to have a burning sensation. It's painful to the touch, especially when I'm wearing a shirt. My husband said I probably just let it get too dry and that I should try to put more lotion on it and avoid water as it is always very drying to my skin.

When I apply lotion it actually stings more, but after 3 days it hasn't improved at all. I couldn't go without showering so I dampened a clean towel with warm-hot water and cleansed the area.

And, the area isn't red and it doesn't look dry like normal dry skin would look (I think because of my applying lotion all the time).

Is there something wrong here or should I just keep applying lotion?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus.

Unfortunately if it is shingles then antiviral drugs are needed for which a dermatologist’s prescription is required.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[louise91]

The overall itching has subsided, but the pain/tingle hasn't improved or gotten any worst. It's been about a week. My husband and myself are a bit strapped for cash as we are moving to a different state. Is there any other information you could give me? I know it's not easy since you can't see it for yourself. I just don't understand how I could have gotten shingles and if it is shingles why it hasn't peaked yet and passed.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Your symptoms are suggestive of shingles. The first sign is usually a tingling feeling, itchiness, or stabbing pain on the skin. After a few days, a rash appears as a band or patch of raised dots on the side of the trunk or face. The rash develops into small, fluid-filled blisters which begin to dry out and crust over within several days. When the rash is at its peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to extreme and intense pain.

Treatment of shingles includes antiviral drugs, steroids, analgesics and anti viral eye drops. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.