Dear XXXXXXX,
Thank you for writing to JustAnswer with your health concern.
Does this tingle, hurt or itch? Just asking, because it is in an area where people sometimes get shingles - but it would be quite painful if this was the case.
Additionally, Lamictal is so frequently associated with skin rashes. There is a high probability that this could be caused by the lamictal. How long have you been on the lamictal?
You will need to mention the lesions to the doctor that is prescribing Lamictal so the decision can be made as to whether this is related. I would call today for instructions from that doctor.
Here are some pictures of lamictal rashes off the internet - not varifiable, but just for your information: http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1T4DKUS_enUS286US286&q=lamictal+rash&btnG=Search+Images
Let me know if you have questions. But to summarize, the recommendation is that you call the prescribing doctor today for instructions. They may want you to decrease the dose, stop the dose or take benadryl, I am not sure - it will depend your doctors knowledge of you and this side effect.
Possibilities would be shingles - less common in someone your age - more common in an older person or a person with an immunocompromized status. OR related to the lamictal. Rashes can appear at any time - they are not very logical.
I hope you are at least tapering your medication. You should try going to your county resources for mental health or medical health, depending on whether you are taking this for a mood disorder or for a seizure disorder. There are resources available if you really don't have the funds to pay for your medication.
It does not look like a spider bite, or the kind that is dangerous any way. There would be a black or dark blue looking area where the bite actually took place. See this link for pictures of spider bites and an article about spider bites:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=61266#
So, you will have to watch it for a few days and see what happens. If it is itching you can use benadryl cream, or take Benadryl at night, or Zyrtec during the day. Be careful not to scratch it and break the skin. If it continues to spread, and the symptoms increase, then you will simply have to go in for examination and possibly have a biopsy to determine the problem. Or you could always send back a picture if it increases - if it begins to hurt though this is likely shingles and you would need to see a doctor for suppressive therapy of the herpes virus. Ideally, you would want to get started on suppressive therapy as soon as possible - so if this blisters (common with a shingles/herpes rash) you need to go in right away to start medication to prevent this from getting any worse.
Nurse (RN)
BSN, MSN, CNS
It depends on if any changes occur.
If you want to continue taking Lamictal - then see a psychiatrist or neurologist.
Otherwise a dermatologist would be your best bet and a doctor who could do a biopsy if there are no changes and it dosn't go away.
Feel free to write back in a couple of days if you see changes. This post will likely still be open.