What causes severe headache and hives in the head?

Question

Hi doctor,

Four days ago, I started having a headache in the middle of my head. I took the tablet Aleve, and it allowed the function to work. However, two days ago, I developed hives on my forehead and part of my eyelid. My skin swelled and set dry and burned more than itched. It has now been four days the hives/bums are in the hair on top of my head. I have pictures of the initial breakout (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity).

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your description points towards Herpes zoster, a reaction of varicella-zoster virus, which initially presents with a painful tingling sensation, then breaks out into a group of blisters, limiting to one half of the body. I can see redness over the forehead's left side in the picture. Unfortunately, I need help appreciating finer details as the picture becomes blurred when I zoom in. Please attach images taken in good daylight. Do you have blisters now? Are you on any immunosuppressive therapy? Was there any recent surgery? Illness? Trauma? Is the right side of the forehead also involved? If it is a Herpes zoster, you should be treated with antiviral as soon as possible, preferably within 72 hours of tingling or any first symptom like pain/tingling. Otherwise, it will leave behind bad pain, called post-herpetic neuralgia.