Could my recent rash be a symptom of herpes zoster?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had a skin allergy for the past two to three days. I have reddish spots with some blisters on my body's right side.

Is it herpes?
What is the proper remedy for this?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I need more data.

Is this itchy or painful?
Have you had allergies before?

The pictures you sent (attachment removed to protect patient identity) are reddish with some blisters and affect your body's right side. If this is painful, this looks like it is herpes zoster and not an allergy. This is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Treatment is by taking an antiviral drug called Acyclovir 800 mg a day for one week.

However, I am not sure if you can buy this over the counter. Herpes zoster is usually self-limiting. In other words, your immune system can fight it, but it may take some time and be painful. So you can also buy over-the-counter pain relievers like Paracetamol or Mefenamic acid if you do not have an allergy to these drugs. If it is itchy, you can take any antihistamine like Loratadine 10 mg or Cetirizine 10 mg once a day for one week.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I hope you can buy it over the counter.

Thank you.