Itchy spots

[Suecon]

Hi. A few weeks ago I got a very red burning patch on the outside of my wrist, near the back of my hand. It was about 2/3 inches. It was as if I'd been burned. I hadn't been out at all so not the sun. About a week later I got a blister type spot on my thigh which was intensely itchy and of course I scratched it. A week or so later one appeared on my temple, near the hairline. Same thing. Today 2 have appeared on my other thigh. Intensely itchy and very red. Thing is, the other dry scabs of the other spots have stuck around. They don't go away completely. Of course I'm wondering if it's shingles but it would be a bizarre type tbh. I'm flying to Prague in a few weeks for my son's wedding so am reluctant to go to my GP with it, esp as it's such a small thing. Does anyone have a clue as to what it might be? I am generally unwell at the moment but there is the occasional ok day. Thank you for any help

[PMRpro]

That doesn't sound like shingles - the blisters tend to follow the track of particular nerves as the virus has been dormant in them until it erupts. The nerves are usually on one side around the waist or the side of the face - not random as you describe.

You really must speak to your doctor, especially if you are unwell into the bargain. Three weeks should be plenty to sort it out - bear in mind if it gets worse you won't be able to travel either.

Can you post a picture?

[Suecon in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for responding, PMRpro. You're right, of course, and I agree that it doesn't appear to be shingles. They do tend to be painful in a touching a nerve kind if way but definitely don't fit the pattern.

[Krazykat26]

I agree with PMRpro..it doesn't sound like shingles because of the randomness of the spots..calamine lotion on the spots will help with the itching n maybe an antihistamine? I have SCLE n I have all kinds of rashes due to what my dermy calls 'lupus activity'. Take photos to show your GP. Hope u get it sorted before your trip xx

[Suecon in reply to Krazykat26]

Thanx, Krazykat26. Yes, I do get some weird lumps and bumps. They're not always easy to photograph as I have what my dermy calls vari-coloured skin. Lots of vitiligo, which is the main thing that shows up, red patches and brown patches and freckles. Lots of sun damage apparently. My butterfly rash is clear to me and my family but you can't see it in photos. I've made a note, tho

[Cas70]

I have had shingles since mid twenties when it first appeared on my thumb! It is now prone to appear anywhere on my body as a single itchy spot that if scratched turns to a blister. It was this that led to my Lupus/ Sjogrens diagnosis. We all present in different ways - try the topical cream from chemist on the spot immediately it itches and DONT scratch. I take 200mg of Aciclovir daily which keeps it at bay. It is not good if it appears near your eyes, so a visit to the Docs might be the right thing. Good luck

[Suecon in reply to Cas70]

That's interesting, Cas70. It was the intensely burning red patch that suddenly appeared on my arm and the disappeared after an hour that out me in mind of shingles. I will wait and watch, I think as I'm reluctant to go to my GP with just a few random spots. Thank you x