Hello,
Thank you for posting you medical query to DoctorSpring.com
So, you are a 69 year old female with a rash that began 2 days ago and you recently completed a course of azithromycin.
Kindly upload a picture of the rash so that I would be able to comment on the rash. Here are a few possibilities:
It could be a recurrence of shingles. I would appreciate some extra details about the rash. Is the rash only on the right side of your stomach? Is it elsewhere? Does it resemble the time you had a previous episode of shingles? Is the rash painful or itchy, does it have blisters or associated with any other symptoms such as numbness and tingling? When did you have your shingles shot? was it before or after the first episode? In light of the fact that you just had a recent cold/flu, its possible this could be shingles but I would still need a picture to confirm.
Secondly, are you allergic to any medications? Azithromycin can cause a rash but that rash would be generalised and not ust located to one part of your body.
Thirdly, have you changed anything about your routine or environment recently? Used new inner wear, had your house painted? used new body lotions or soap or perfume?
I look forward to your reply,
Wishing you great health
Patient replied :
I am a male of 69. i did have the shingles vaccination about 2-3 years after the outbreak. I do not think i have changed cologne, soap detergetnt etc. It just started this past Thursday. The rash is indeed only on the right side of my stomach which is where the shingles outbreak was around my midsection on the right side of my body. this is only down the right side from under my arm downwards. But hopefully you can see the type of rash from the picture. Is this enough?
Thank you for your reply. I would require a few more photos, you can upload them to [email protected]. Please try to make sure the photos are not as zoomed in and must be taken from different angles (from the front and side) so that I can see them in the context of your entire abdomen. Once I have those, I would also like to consult our dermatologist to ask for an opinion.
Also kindly include these in your reply: Is the rash painful or itchy, does it have blisters or associated with any other symptoms such as numbness and tingling?
Patient replied :
Here are some more photos. The rash is only itchy. There are no blisters and there is no tingling or numbness. Although ever since I did get shingles, every once in a while (not often) there is bit of tingling and numbness. then I am always checking to see if the shingles are back. And I had a terrible case and the pain was awful. Just sayin!!! Do you need anything else??
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I can understand your concern.
This seems to be shingles. Also known as herpes zoster. It does seem to be an early stage. I would recommend that you visit your doctor for a prescription for valacyclovir. You can apply Mupirocin cream over it which will aid in the resolution.
Please let me know if you have any queries.
Take care,
Regards.
Patient replied :
Last question......since I have had shingles before and have since had the vaccination, should this be a milder case? Or it does not matter what passed before and it will be just as bad....?
thanks for your help.
Hello,
Yes it will definitely be a milder version, however start Valacyclovir as soon as possible.
That will also enhance a quicker recovery.
Regards.