What is this rash? (Pic warning!)

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Does anyone know what this might be? It came up on Thursday, on my stomach. It itches a bit when my clothing rubs on it, but aside from that I wouldn't know its there!

I'm not planning on going to a GP or anything, but if anyone knows what it might be/how to make it go quicker I'd appreciate it. I tried antihistamine cream but no difference noticed 😕

It's shingles, call 111 or whatever the number is for an OOH appointment for a prescription for the antiviral medication

Thanks all, I've applied for a 111 call back. Fingers crossed!

Good luck!

If no success with 111, you could try a pharmacist? Most in supermarkets will be open, even on a bank holiday, and most have little private consulting rooms. You may then find you can be given hydrocortisone cream, or anything else which may help.

I did speak to a pharmacist in the end who agreed with you all that it looks like shingles. I got some calamine lotion on his advice but I think it's all about the 111 call back to see if I can get anti viral ☹️

I occasionally get a very similar small rash on tummy, I discovered eventually it was from metal belt buckles or the metal Jeans buttons. Could you be sensitive to an element in metal fastenings?

Ask your local pharmacist. Are you in the pharmacy first scheme? In Scotland they can prescribe antibiotics and stuff for exactly this type of thing. Anti vitals/ antibiotics and prescription creams etc. Total lifesaver.

Intertrigo isn't the same as impetigo (google images).

I was convinced I had shingles as the rashes look very similar and both cause intense pain/ itching.

It could be either.

Whichever it is , I hope it clears up soon with the right treatment.

Thank you for the push to speak to a gp, they confirmed shingles and prescribed anti viral which is good because it was (and still is) now bloody sore.

It's under my clothes and I'm not planning any close contact with people (except DH who has already had chicken pox). Does anyone know if it's one where it heals faster/better if allowed to "breathe" or is it best to cover it with a dressing?

I know it’s been confirmed shingles now but I had a rash that looked just like that on one cheek. It wouldn’t go away no matter what I tried until I tried steroid cream and it went away after 3 days. It wasn’t shingles for me though.

Just trying a cheeky bump - there's lots of conflicting advice on the "cover vs no cover" front!!

It's shingles

Sorry didn't read the previous ones. If you're going out you can put a dressing on it. It's not necessary though

Thanks @blor - do you know if its better to leave it uncovered when possible? I know lots of things are better if you let them dry out/breathe but I've not had shingles before!

You don’t need to cover it as it’s already covered by your clothes and no one is likely to come into contact with it

Good hand washing ,obviously, if you touch it which you’re probably doing anyway.

I guess if the blisters are oozing and getting stuck to your clothes then cover it with something breathable but otherwise I wouldn’t worry.

when I had shingles recently I was prescribed calamine lotion to put on it too but it didn’t make much difference.

Thanks folks, that's good to know. I think I'll leave it open unless I'm meeting up with anyone/it's getting stuck.

Lovely (not)

Shingles. You are too late really for anti vocals now. Best taken within 72 hours.

Looks like me when i had impetigo.

I had to cover mine so to stop risk to other people

My DD covered hers
With a gauze type breathable dressing as it was tight where the waste and of her trousers were and it was irritating it.

I wonder if I've had shingles then, as it looked exactly like that was really painful for weeks. Maybe I should have seen the GP as I still don't feel right now.