Painful rash without the rash

[CormoranStrike]

Sounds weird, but the skin in my arm is sore - feels bruised and as if it should have a giant rash. But there’s nothing at all to be seen.

It’s very painful if touched but fine apart from that.

Any guesses as to what this is?

Shingles?

Shingles

In an arm? I thought that was something you always got in your torso.

I’m guessing anywhere with nerve endings? I know u can get them on your face

Oh I hope it isn’t!

Off to google symptoms and treatment just in case.

If treated immediately with anti-virals it does reduce the length of the attack. Worth getting GP advice.

That is how my shingles started

Shingles presents on one side of the body and follows a dermatome.

From the description you’ve given it sounds like a distinct possibility.

I get this before I come down with a cold, it’s not necessarily shingles!!!

It's very unlikely to be shingles if the pain is only on your arm.

@trewser What makes you say that?

Becuase that's not particularly indicated. It could be, but I'm saying its unlikely, not impossible.

I get this. I hurt to touch but nothing there. Usually when I'm low grade poorly

This is how my shingles started. It was about a month before the rash appeared. Apparently torso is more common, but any section of the body can be affected. Get thee to a doctor, ASAP. Shingles, if that's what it is, can be most unpleasant.

I have this a lot of the time as well as extreme fatigue but I get it in lots of different places. Currently backs of my upper arms and upper thighs 🤷🏻‍♀️ I'm having blood tests.

I guess if it's shingles you'll know fairly soon!

Shingles, too. Mine manifested on my outer thigh and felt very sore when my light cotton skirt brushed against it (like sunburn). Never had a rash. Fortunately just a mild case.

Thanks all - the sore or sunburned like patch seems smaller today