On 24/6, Dr. Nguyen Bao Hoa, a specialist in dermatology and musculoskeletal internal medicine at City International Hospital, reported that a patient traveling in Vietnam sought examination for skin lesions on his inner left arm. The condition began with red spots and mild itching, quickly developing blisters by the second day. By the third day, the affected area tended to spread, with red streaks extending towards the armpit.

The doctor observed clustered blisters on an erythematous base, signs of inflammation spreading along the lymphatic pathways, and slightly elevated inflammatory markers. The patient was diagnosed with shingles accompanied by a localized infection and prescribed outpatient treatment.

However, after nearly 48 hours, the lesions rapidly spread up the left arm, elbow, and forearm, with increasing pain. The doctor determined that the condition had progressed to widespread cellulitis accompanied by acute lymphangitis, necessitating the patient's hospitalization.

Lesions spreading on the patient's arm. Photo: Hospital provided

According to Dr. Bao Hoa, besides post-herpetic neuralgia, skin infection is an often-overlooked complication that can progress rapidly. In this case, the initial lesions spread deep into the subcutaneous tissue and along the lymphatic system in a short period. This case was particularly notable because the complication occurred in a young, healthy individual with no underlying medical conditions.

The patient was treated with antiviral medication combined with intravenous antibiotics. One day later, swelling and pain decreased. After three days, the lesions improved, and the patient was discharged for outpatient monitoring.

In a handwritten letter sent to the hospital upon recovery, he expressed gratitude, stating he "felt safe and received dedicated care during a rather frightening moment of the trip," thanks to the medical staff who "closely monitored and supported him even after hours."

The doctor advises that individuals with shingles should not be complacent if skin lesions spread rapidly, pain increases, or red streaks extend beyond the initial area. These could be signs of an infectious complication requiring timely intervention.

Le Phuong