possible shingles?

Hi amber

i have had shingles 4 times this year ..

i get headcahe and feel really off too..

beneath the rash / spots / then Blisters i get a real deep burning stabbing pain and mine are always on my Butt Cheek ..

i use that cream for cold sores aciclovir it helps no end 

jay x

Hi Amber,

I am so sorry you are,suffering.

Are the marks turning into tiny blisters (vesicles) that are on a red background? Also, to distinguish this rash from other rashes, are the dots on one side of the body (right or left, without crossing the midline )

Usually, shingles starts out with headaches, general malaise, aches and pains, mild fever, before development of the rash. The rash can be excruciating, burning, lancinating pain. You should return to the doctor today and state you believe it to be shingles and request the antivirals, Acyclovir, Famvir, or Valtrex. You need to start it within three days of onset of rash. Also ask for painkiller as the rash can cause severe unremitting pain.

MerryJuliana

Hi Amber. It does sound like shingles. What age are you if you don't mind my asking? It's more usual in older people but can affect anyone I believe if you've had chickenpox previously as a child. Is the rash down one side of you back? If it's both sides, probably not shingles but not unknown from what I've been reading on this forum. I had it in my scalp and one shoulder/arm/hand, right side. Also had what seemed like shingles without a rash  a few weeks later on the left shoulder. This can happen too! Try getting an appointment with another GP for their opinion if poss. Best wishes, Ellie.

 

Amber,

As you have the typical prodromal symptoms of a viral infection, the headache, fatigue, and possibly aches and pains, I would more strongly consider shingles. Also, as the rash has not crossed the midline of your back and is painful, it sounds more like shingles. The rash can look like red dots initially, before proceeding to small blisters. They usually come in crops. I need to reinforce that seeing your physician tomorrow is of upmost importance.

May I ask how old you are? Also, do you have cancer, lupus, Psoriasis, ITP, Rheumatoid arthritis, or other diseases or on corticosteroids in which you are immunocompromised? If you are, it makes it more imperative that you receive treatment immediately.

Good luck.

Merry Juliana