Maybe Bug bites? Really sore, picture attached

[Afolnerd]

Ds6 complained about a week ago that his side was itchy. I found a little group of what looked like mosquito bites so put some hydrocortisone on them and didn’t think any more about it.

Ds just knocked his side playing and starting crying that it really hurt.
It now looks really nasty. He says it only hurts if I touch it. He seems fine in himself.
He also has another little group of spots on his back like the original ones. Patch is about the size of a 10p

Any ideas what it could be?

I just felt a little bit off with mild shingles, it was very itchy to start with, I thought I had been bitten and it did look like your DS smaller patch only a few more spots, it didn't really hurt much but mine was vaccine side effect so maybe a little different.

Wow I had no idea kids got shingles, my only knowledge of it was it going round my grandmothers nursing home 20 years ago and she was really ill with it. Will take him to get checked tomorrow.
Ok next question any ideas on schools policy for shingles? As he is completely fine in himself.

It looks like shingles to me, has he had chickenpox before?

Looks like it could be shingles to me.

Its fine as long as it can be covered with clothing. Plus it has scabbed over so there won't be fluid from blisters. Its contact with the fluid from shingles blisters that can pass on chicken pox to those who haven't had it before. It is not airborne like chickenpox itself.

NHS website has all the guidance you need - he can go to school if the rash can be covered up (which it can as it's on his trunk). Your son's rash Is exactly the same place as my DS's rash!!

Pharmacist has confirmed what most of you knew that it is shingles. She thinks he is well passed being contagious so fine to go back to school on Monday.
Just got to keep an eye out in case any more spots appear as then he might need antiviral cream from the gp.
fingers crossed it clears up without any problems.

thanks for all your help.