Possible shingles?

[CamdenTownie]

Wonder if anyone can help or advise me.

This morning when I got to work I had an odd feeling in the left side of my neck, it felt very tender and sore with a burning sensation, I was pretty sure there would be redness but when I looked it was fine.

It's been there all day but it's got worse and has spread to behind my ear and to the collarbone but still just on the left. It's so itchy and feels very hot.

I've asked dr google and Shingles has come up, last week I had a massive cold sore that was very painful and took 10 Days to clear up, life is extremely stressful at the moment and I'm pretty sure that's why I got the cold sore.

The lack of rash is making me question if I could have shingles, does anyone have any experience? How long does the rash take to arrive? I'm concerned about going into work, but also Wondering if I should visit the doctor if I don't have a rash?

The pain arrives before the rash; it sounds like it could be shingles. I'd get to the doctor because the sooner you get treatment the better. I hope you feel better soon; shingles is painful.

I have had shingles. I had pain and soreness for quite a few days before the rash appeared.

I was particularly stressed and worn out when it happened which the gp said when you are most susceptible.

My rash was hidden by clothes so I could still go out and about but I didn't want to because I felt so rough.

I felt tired and rough for a couple of weeks and the rash was sore for a while and I couldn't stand clothes on it.

Thanks, I've been very tired recently but to be honest that's not unusual.

My sore area definitely feels worse with clothing on it, I think I'll try and get an appointment tomorrow and see what the doctor thinks. Just feels so odd, tender, hot and itchy.

if you think it is shingles then go to GP sooner rather than later, as you need to start the antivirals asap.

if the rash involves your nose then it could affect your eyes too so watch out for that.

My rash appeared quite quickly. Within the day of feeling pain.

Does your pain follow a line, along a nerve?

Mine was like electric shocks up my leg and when the rash came it was in a ling line along the leg.

Go to the doctor asap, the sooner you start treatment the less severe the outbreak will be, and less chance of pain/itching remaining long term, doctor will probably prescribe aciclovir. Shingles is not contagious although you can pass chicken pox on to someone who has never had them.
If the rash can be covered you should be fine to go out and about but it sounds like you are really run down and maybe a couple of weeks off work will help.

Benefit - I would say it does follow a line from behind my ear down my neck to the top of my collarbone.