Odd symptoms and no idea what it is......

[SWyka]

My husband has developed small patches of a rash like. Only on his left side of his face starting at the top of his ear, going into his ear (which is swollen and tender) to the left cheek, just by his mouth and small rash like bumps that are seeping a little and are extremely tender and painful. His inner lip and tongue have it too...again only on the left side. it is only his face and ear, no where else on his body. Any ideas what this could be? This started last weekend with a sensitive area on the top of his (left side) of his head, but no rash present, just sensitive to touch, and has progressed from there. My email: ***@**** Thanks so much

[Lauren de Moreno, MD]

He might have a herpes zoster infection, or shingles.  This is caused by a sleeping chickenpox virus that becomes reactivated later in life.  This is usually treated with antiviral medication and sometimes oral steroids.  Sometimes, this can lead to facial pain (trigeminal neuralgia).  I would recommend he seeks treatment from an ENT as soon as possible.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

The typical one sided rash and pain occur with Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster or Zoster. It is a medical condition characterized by the development of painful blisters on the skin. Zoster is caused by the 'Varicella Zoster Virus' which is also responsible for causing chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant and can get reactivated at intervals producing symptoms. Hence there is no permanent cure. But anti-viral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir are known to shorten out breaks and improve symptoms. It depends on one’s immunity also. If it is good the person may have less number of reactivations. If the immunity is relative less than he is likely to have more symptoms.

Please consult your primary care physician for further evaluation.

In the meantime give him OTC naproxen for relief from pain.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[Nancy T]

Google "Ramsey-Hunt syndrome" and see if it sounds like that.

In any case it sounds like some kind of shingles-like, viral outbreak. He should call the doctor as soon as possible and have it seen. There are medications that can help the symptoms and perhaps shorten the course of the outbreak.

Sorry I cannot e-mail you; the site "stars out" e-mail addresses.

Good luck to your husband.