Is this shingles? (Photo)

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ds1 has had really bad headaches for two days and a rash on his waist which has now started to blister. Does this look like shingles?

Poxclin from the pharmacy could help with the itch and healing. And the old fashioned methods for chicken pox like bicarbonate or oats in the bath. Anti-histamine might really help at night. Preferably the drowsy type - I think over 12s can take? Poor boy, I was 16 first time I had it and it's really unpleasant.

They can go to school if covered it’s not excluded

Actually I just remembered someone on a cold sore thread on here a while ago claimed pharmacies could give out aciclovir over the counter at their discretion now? I have no idea if this is true and they may be less keen for a child but if there's a late night Sunday one open might be worth a try to get them quicker. Can anyone confirm if this is true?

They can go to school with shingles as long as they feel ok and the rash can be covered

You can definitely send him to school. DS2 had it, and school had to check, but it's fine. Just keep it covered. No swimming etc.

I had it last year and l wasn’t allowed to go to work and l work with children.

Cold used tea bags works a treat for soothing the pain!! My sympathy, had shingles and it hurts like hell.

The NHS page on Shingles is very informative:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/

It confirms that you can go to school / work if you feel up to it as long as the rash can be covered up. If it can't be covered (if it was on your hand or head for example) you would need to stay at home until the spots dried up.

You cannot catch shingles! People who haven't had chicken pox can catch chicken pox from someone with shingles. Only people who've already had chicken pox can getshingles - it happens when the CP virus is reactivated in the body, maybe due to being run down, or just bad luck.

Your pic looks just like the ones on the NHS website. I hope your DS feels better soon :)

Off to the GP in about 10 minutes. More blisters have erupted overnight.

Just to update for information. It is shingles. He's now on antivirals and codeine for the pain. No school this week until the blisters are completely scabbed over (advice was treat it like chicken pox). No contact with potentially pregnant people or young children who could get chicken pox from coming into contact with him.

DS1 was quite pleased about his extended Christmas holiday until I phoned school and asked them to send him some work across for him to do at home (evil mother).

Hope he feels better very soon

Poor DS, hope he feels better soon.