Are these shingles? Too late too use medicine?

hi Selvasis,yes your rash appears to look like shingles,you should really see your doctor within 48hours to get antivirals as these will stop the rash developing and hopefully help with after pain.you should still go to see doctor anyway to confirm diagnosis.take carex

Hi Selvasis,

You need to see a clinician within three days of onset of rash, or the antivirals will not be as efficacious. I would be more proactive regarding your health, as the pain from Herpes Zoster, or Shingles can be devastating. Postpone the travel plans until you see a physician, as one of the symptoms of shingles is extreme fatigue.

Others include aches and pains, headache, fever, malaise etc, and these symptoms can last weeks. Shingles can cause post herpetic neuralgia which is more apt to occur in untreated shingles.

I am a nurse practitioner in the States and have had Herpes Zoster Oticus in my right ear every three to five weeks for the last 19 years.

I hope this helps.

Best Wishes

Merry Juliana

Just go get a prescription before you leave if it's not too late. As has been pointed out, shingles can make you feel very ill, worse if not treated asap! I waited too long as it was a bank holiday here in UK at the time. I did get anti virals eventually but it was 5 days. If the doc thinks they'll work then take them. Better late than not at all. I vouch that PHN is truly awful, nerve pain in the region of the rash and can go on a long time, sometimes for ever if you're very unlucky.