To think this could be very serious?

[RichPetunia]

This growth has appeared on the side of my mum’s face, very suddenly. The doctor thinks it’s shingles. I think it’s not and could be something more sinister. Any opinions please?

I am a GP. Shingles can look like this.Contrary to what a lot of PPs are implying, shingles can present in many different ways. Don't click if you are squeamish, but this is a picture of some atypical presentations of shingles.

This appearance is actually not uncommon with shingles close to the ear. Google Herpes zoster opticus and you will see lots of pictures similar to the OP's. With pain and sudden onset, shingles is quite a likely diagnosis. However, it's important to keep other possible diagnoses in mind too.

By all means query the diagnosis, OP, but please keep an open mind. Despite what a lot of PPs are screaming at you, the GP is not necessarily wrong.

Not a doctor, but facial shingles can be that very dark colour, but you’d expect it to be more than one blob, and more of a blister than an implosion. Herpes Zoster Oticus is a form of shingles that appears next to the ear.

Did the GP prescribe antivirals and steroids? Because HZO can lead to nerve damage.

Oh xpost, sorry I didn’t updated, yes.

I’ve had nearly 30 outbreaks of shingles, and mine have never looked like that - but it can present in many forms, not the “standard rash/blister formation” that everyone is familiar with.

I hope your mum is ok…

The shingles / herpes picture and description is similar, so I’m grateful. Thanks again to everyone.

@RichPetunia
I wouldn't be wasting another moment I would phone 111 now and try to get into your local urgent treatment centre incase she gets worsening symptoms- hopefully she won't but at least someone medically trained would be having a look at it.

Not a doctor, but facial shingles can be that very dark colour, but you’d expect it to be more than one blob

That is true, but shingles rashes can evolve rapidly and start with a single lesion.

I am certainly not saying it is definitely shingles, but shingles is a possible diagnosis.

That is horrifically fascinating, thanks for sharing.

Yes it could spread. The fact that her tongue and hair are painful does also suggest shingles.

Yes, thanks for sharing, MissLucyEyelesbarrow

how are her teeth? her hearing?

thinking of a mouth/jaw/ear infection that's spread to the skin.
but yes, great that you are on it and seeing a gp again with her.

good luck

I am not a nurse or GP, and I think that looks suspect!!! Another GP, or A & E if she gets no joy! Hope she's OK @RichPetunia

I'd definitely get a second opinion. That looks a little suspicious to me and not like something I'd want to just leave. Fingers crossed it's nothing to worry about, but better to get it checked out.

I know nothing about medicine but I would be looking for a second opinion first thing tomorrow

Op again I'm no expert but have seen similar on people recently that was removed asap.

Please complain about the doctor and let them know about their ridiculous and terrible mistake!

That looks like the skin cancer my dad had to have removed, does it keep bleeding?

My dads shingles looked like that, but above his eye. It was a hard, black scab, quite large, irregular edge... almost like an eye patch. Shingles isn't always the spots and blisters.

I hope your poor mum feels better soon and gets the attention and relief she needs, be that shingles or otherwise xx

I had shingles a few weeks ago, that is not shingles. If you can't access a different gp I would go to a&e tomorrow.

Did the doctor see this photo or was it described over the phone. If they haven't actually seen it I would ask them to actually look at the photo.

I'd get a second opinion but for
what it's worth my facial shingles did look just like that and the associated pain you describe was identical. I'd forgotten about my hair hurting but yes it really did. I hope your Mum is ok x

Could be shingles ( sudden onset with abnormal sensation and pain support this) but could also be a Basal cell carcinoma ( has this appearance but usually very slow growing) . Warrants a 2WW appointment with derm.

I'd be getting that looked at asap.

That is not shingles

I’d also be a bit worried about scalp necrosis from giant cell arteritis if she has scalp and jaw pain. She needs to be seen tomorrow and have urgent bloods. If it’s GCA she needs steroid.