Talk to me about shingles

[thetemptationofchocolate]

I have this and it's horrible. I have seen a doctor and have got anti-virals. I started taking these within 24 hours of the rash appearing, will they really make it go away faster? I'm a bit desperate for some encouraging stories here!

[JustDanceAddict]

My ds had it last year aged 14 and it took about 4 days to ease off. He also took the anti-virals. The gp was really impressed with me bringing him in straight away as it’s quite rare in children, but supposed to be milder.

[moreismore]

Yes the drugs will def help. You can buy lidocaine numbing cream or spray OTC which might give some relief

[DonPablo]

I felt really rough. My mum had just died. I felt like I had a label in my clothes bothering me. Of course, there was no label.

I remember the worst bit being how everybody wanted to hug me. The agony.

I was poorly for a good 3 weeks, despite antivirals pretty quickly. And for a year I had phantom shingles pain occasionally. 20 months on I get a sniff of the pain once a month or less maybe and it only lasts minutes.

I think it's very variable h9w badly you're affected. I know someone who had it on their face. No pain at all, but the rash took ages to go away fully.

Take care.

[thetemptationofchocolate]

Thank you, I have cancelled everything for a few days as I feel really rough. Will trust in the meds!

[MyNameIsArthur]

Is good you've taken anti virals in the first 24 hours as they say it is important to take them within the first 3 days