Not sure what type of doctor to see

[OccamsRazor]

About a week ago I started having aches in my upper torso like muscle aches from exercising but no activity on my part or straining to account for it. Also, skin on my lower right forearm and upper thigh near the groin area was sensitive to the touch like a rash or irritation but no visible signs of it. After about two-three days the skin discomfort on my thigh moved from near the groin area to the top middle of my thigh. Just running my fingers along the skin in those areas was uncomfortable. Now the same thing on my torso, mostly on the sides. Taking iBupropen helps with the aches.

Today, I found pustules clustered in two spots on my torso. One set just off center from my chest and the 2nd set far back of my right side. Photos below. Just not sure what kind of doctor to see as the initial issue was body aches but now pustules. I've never had a lot of luck with general practitioners. This is in Chiang Mai in case there are recommendations for this area. Forgot to add that I'm 66. Shingles?

Edited September 15, 2013 by OccamsRazor

[GaryB7471]

A regular doctor would be fine. And the sooner the better. They may be able to shorten the duration of the outbreak. The last article I read about this virus said they believe everyone has it but it is dormant in most people.

[Sheryl]

Shingles is also what first occurred to me. Though cannot be sure without seeing the pattern of the lesions.

Suggest you head to SriPat. A good internist should be able to tell if it is shingles and if so, treat. Antiviral meds can shorten the duration but only if treatment started early.

[NCC1701A]

Shingles:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/shingles-topic-overview

[OccamsRazor]

I'll head out to the doctor's tomorrow morning but my normal hospital is Chiang Mai Ram. SriPat can be difficult to park and to get in. Found the following meds are useful for it. Should I ask the doctor about them, if it turns out to be shingles, or see what he has to offer? Will try to get him/her to let me order what meds he recommends outside of the hospital pharmacy. I have had chicken pox when I was around 9-10.

Regarding the pattern of the lesions, the photos aren't sufficient? Or you mean overall distribution on the body?

Acyclovir

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Virogon

[OccamsRazor]

Shingles:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/shingles-topic-overview

Thanks, been there and a dozen other sites to get some clarity on it. So far not too much discomfort. The skin sensitivity on my thigh has gone and only a small area on my forearm still sensitive and sides. The body ache has been manageable with iBupropen. Though that could be masking the skin sensitivity also.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Sheryl]

I'll head out to the doctor's tomorrow morning but my normal hospital is Chiang Mai Ram. SriPat can be difficult to park and to get in. Found the following meds are useful for it. Should I ask the doctor about them, if it turns out to be shingles, or see what he has to offer? Will try to get him/her to let me order what meds he recommends outside of the hospital pharmacy. I have had chicken pox when I was around 9-10.

Regarding the pattern of the lesions, the photos aren't sufficient? Or you mean overall distribution on the body?

Acyclovir

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Virogon

Yes, distribution on the body as the lesions of shingles follow nerve networks. Nevermind, doc will see and know,

Though you seem to be indicating a milder pain than would be the norm with shingles. So possibly just a contact cdermatitis of come sort (in which case will respond to steroid cream).

[FBN]

Seems likely to be shingles. Antiviral medication like acyclovir can help shorten the duration and also reduce the pain during and after.

[OccamsRazor]

Just got back from the hospital. The GP checked it and was pretty sure of it being shingles but sent me to the skin clinic for screening. She also verified it was indeed shingles and prescribed Acyclovir 800mg (Virogon believe is the generic version). She mentioned that the rainy season brings out more viral outbreaks then normal. Good bed side manner and wanted to be sure if I had any questions to feel free to ask. Offered sleeping meds but I don't like going there and it's not that bad at the moment. Had a pretty bad back ache this morning but suspect part from sleeping badly and partly the shingles.

I told her I was taking ibuprofen and she recommended against it. She gave me NASA with Codeine if I have too much pain. Right now my sides are burning with any contact with clothes and general body aches. But generally rather mild from my research on the Internet. She said one's immune system often determines how bad it may get. In my case I haven't had a cold or flu in over 20 years here. Will be back in a week for a followup.

She also mentioned Vitamin B/B complex can help.

Edited September 16, 2013 by OccamsRazor

[Sheryl]

Glad to hear you've gotten appropriate treatment.

Sounds like you're lucky..in many people the paid is really excruciating.

[OccamsRazor]

The only mistake I made and forgot to request to buy the meds at an outside pharmacy. 800mg they charged 116 baht/tablet - 20% member discount so around 90 baht/tablet. Checked the Internet and at Walmart US it is around 900 baht for 35 tablets. So about 300% above normal prices. Don't know if I can return them for refund and buy them elsewhere or just a reminder as another lesson in hospital pharmacy profits.

[Sheryl]

You can't get the pain med at an outside pharmacy as codeine is restricted to hospitals.

Acyclovir tabs you can buy OTC and there are several locally made brands.