Burning rash

[shinyshell]

I have a rash  right below my arm pit, I thought they were bed bugs but I am the only one in the house with this rash,
Then we thought fleas but no... not that either
My Grandmother thought Shingles but  I see no similarities.
At first the itched really bad but now they burn and are fairly painful.
If you have any ideas that would be great thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since shingles is caused by reactivation of virus, so it will take its own time to go away. Treatment of shingles includes antiviral drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir, famicyclovir, steroids to improve healing time analgesics to reduce the pain and anti viral eye drops if there is any eye involvement. The rash and pain usually subside within three to five weeks, but about one in five patients develop a painful condition called postherpetic neuralgia, which is often difficult to manage.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[shinyshell]

Do I have to go to a doctor for shingles or can they go away on there own?
Because I don't want to have to go to a doctor unless I Absolutely have to.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be shingles. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus. 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.
My advice would be to consult a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.