Question about shingles rash appearance

Posted , 4 users are following.

I have been having an aching pain in my right armpit only for about 3 weeks now. Within the last day this has also turned into a burning skin feeling. Today after checking in the mirror I see a rash developing. (There is no rash on my others armpit) Can this be shingles? None of the spots have blisters though so I'm really not sure. Does the rash have to have blisters to truly be shingles? And are the blisters there as soon as the rash appears? Or maybe my rash might blister soon? Any input would be greatly appreciated 😊

2 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Pam,

    You really need to go to see a doctor because if it is shingles the earlier you start antiviral tablets the better you will be in the long run, usually within 24 - 48 hours of the rash appearing.Blisters usually form after the spots surface and mainly on one side of the body, but it can cross over to the other side. I find that i feel really tired and my body aches too before the spots surface. You definately need to get checked out though.  Hope this helps.Take care Lisa

    • Posted

      Thanks for your reply Lias 😀 Yes I will defiantly make an appointment. I was just curious about this rash without blisters & was wanting some input from others who have had shingles. I know you can have shingles without a rash so was just wondering about a rash without blisters? 
    • Posted

      Dear Pam,

      I am so sorry you are suffering from this disease.

      Often Herpes Zoster starts with symptoms of fatigue, malaise, muscle aches and pains, headache, fever, etc, followed by pain in the area. The rash starts after theonset of pain. I would discontinue deodorant or antiperspirant and seek medical attention immediately. The rash usually consists of vesicles-blisters, but shingles does not always read ie follow the textbooks. In other words, the rash sometimes can be red dots, usually on a red base.

      It almost never crosses the midline of the body, unless someone is immunocompromised.

      It would be better to start on an antiviral ASAP. The burning pain sounds like Herpes Zoster-Shingles.

      I hope this information helps you.

      Merry Juliana

  • Posted

    HI Pam- I agree with Lisa1510...

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  • Posted

    Thanks for all the replys everyone. I just hope my gp doesn't dismiss this as being shingles cuz I have no blisters! I have also had muscle aches & pains for weeks in this area as well as armpit (where the rash is) chest, breast, inner arm & underarm pain. Sometimes the pain goes down my arm as well to my forearm but all these pain are only right sided. 
    • Posted

      hi pam.shingles causes nerve pain.which could explain pain in forearm.when my spots/blisters appear it almost feels like bad nettle sting with burning sensation.very difficult to explain its just awful
  • Posted

    When I first thought to look under my arm today it felt like a burning pain. Like I had a sunburn or nicked my self shaving or something. Does this sound consistent with shingles? 

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