Shingles? or if not, what else could it be?

[TaffyandTeenyTaffy]

I have a rash right the way across my shoulders and up into my head, and red blotches under my arms. Small white blisters and red/burning skin. VERY itchy and really painful. Rash started on Saturday and not responding to calamine, piriton, and antihistimine cream recommended by the pharmacist - who thought it could be shingles, but for the fact it was going all the way across my back as opposed to affecting just one side. I have also had an upset stomach since Monday, ongoing nausea, headaches and an achy neck.

Dont think its an allergy/heat rash so am a bit worried it may be something contagious. I really need to go to work tomorrow as I have a very busy week -but thinking I may need to try and get a GP appointment?

Any ideas?

I'm not 100% if just because it goes right across, that this means it is not shingles? I only know it is usually one one side.

What you describe does sound like shingles, and I would go to the docs before going to work as contact with somebody else who is vulnerable ro pregnant can be very serious for them!

When DD had shingles the GP advised that it is NOT infectious unless someone has direct contact with the fluid inside the spots. If the rash is covered by clothes or a dressing you are not infectious. Lots of great advice and info here: www.patient.co.uk/health/shingles-herpes-zoster

Thanks both. Turns out the rash is folliculitis - basically a skin infection so I have anti biotics and Dermol wash and skin cream, which is helping.

If it was Shingles the spots themselves would have been more red. lisandbag -you are correct - very rarely it will spread to both sides of the body.