[73F] Experiencing sunburn-like sensation without redness

Patient Description

A 73-year-old female reports a persistent sensation similar to a sunburn on her back, arms, and waist, without any accompanying redness. This sensation has been present for approximately 3-4 weeks and was preceded by itching. She experiences occasional chills but no fever, numbness, or tingling. The patient has no history of skin redness, rash, or shingles, though she has received the shingles vaccine. She has a history of joint issues, with both knees and one hip replaced years ago. There are no known drug allergies, and no new medications have been started recently. No other symptoms or chronic medical conditions have been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Postherpetic Neuralgia: This is a complication of shingles, which is caused by the chickenpox (herpes zoster) virus. It affects nerve fibers and skin, causing a burning sensation even without a rash present. Even though you have not had shingles, you mentioned you had the shingles shot, which could potentially cause similar symptoms in rare cases.

    • Treatment usually involves medications to help manage the pain, such as topical treatments, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids.

  • Allodynia: This is a type of pain where the skin feels sensitive or painful to touch, even without visible signs of injury or rash. It is commonly associated with conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia.

    • Treatment usually involves managing the underlying condition, and may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a result of damage to your peripheral nerves, often causing weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet, but it can also affect other areas of your body.

    • Treatment usually involves managing the underlying condition, and may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

What you can do

You should make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss these symptoms. They may want to perform some tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage your discomfort.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain
  • Rapid onset of symptoms
  • Symptoms spreading to other areas of your body
  • Loss of sensation or movement

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare provider.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What is postherpetic neuralgia and can it occur without having had shingles?

Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles that causes nerve pain and a burning sensation in the skin, even without a rash. It is rare but possible to experience similar symptoms after receiving the shingles vaccine.

What is allodynia and how is it related to the symptoms I'm experiencing?

Allodynia is a condition where the skin becomes sensitive or painful to touch without visible signs of injury. It can be associated with conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and neuropathy, and may explain the burning sensation you're experiencing.

What are the common causes of peripheral neuropathy and how is it treated?

Peripheral neuropathy is often caused by diabetes, infections, injuries, or exposure to toxins. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

What should I do if my symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear?

If your symptoms worsen or you experience new symptoms such as severe pain, rapid onset of symptoms, spreading of symptoms, or loss of sensation or movement, you should seek immediate medical attention.

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