Shingles?!

[OhDearMe2]

I'm 35, healthy and well.

3 days ago I felt ill with a stomach ache / nausea but had an early night and felt OK on waking.

Yesterday I woke with back ache (mild) and noticed two small bite like marks on my tummy on one side. Assumed it was a bite although it didn't itch / hurt. Looks a bit puffy but small red spot type thing.

Back ache has worsened but I am looking after two small children (lots of lifting). Feel a bit run down / exhausted but not especially Ill.

Today I woke with several more smaller spots, some of which are in a short line across tummy on same side as other two (from yesterday)

Back ache much worse and spots sort of tingle / bit sore.

Is this shingles?? I'm going on holiday tomorrow and stressing it could be and do I need to do anything before we go? Will it get worse. The pain in my back is mostly at the bottom but not gone up between shoulders a bit too. I am also getting sort of shooting pains today in my side / back if I bend / twist.

Anyone had anything like this?

[Olivo]

Oh no, shalli, can you take an antihistamine?

I have come to the conclusion that maybe the meds are making me so sleepy and weak feeling, not the actua infection? Not sure if i should stop taking them. now just have two non blistered but v itchy spots. Hoping It is on its way out!

[Shallishanti]

I've put antihistamine cream on it- I already take 2 other meds for a chronic condition, plus this painkiller which comes with an alarming list of possible side effects- I just worry about all these drugs inside me battling away- like my body would get confused ! my brain's certainly confused anyway!

[20thcenturybitch]

I've had it a couple of times, not pleasant but the anti-virals will help quickly.

One point I haven't seen mentioned here is be careful with sun exposure on holiday. The herpes viruses like sun. Also I think sensitivity to sun is a side effect of Valaciclovir if that's what you're taking.

[OhDearMe2]

Sorry to hear there are so many sufferers!

So we made it on holiday, tbh I feel OK mostly in myself (bit tired and more irritable than usual but not too bad!)

Anti virals are fine for me, no side effects except that I can tell.

I've bought a Waterproof dressing (as doc recommended) so I can go in the pool area (not actually swimming) and actually spots haven't blistered (yet) but still itchy and sore. By no means terrible but needing ibuprofen regularly,

The only thing is there seems to be no change / improvement. Got worse for a day or two and now staying the same but not getting better. Is that normal? I'm on day 4 now of the meds.

Also I actually forgot one packet at home so now have a 5 day course not 6, should I try to get to doc here or just leave it as it is? I will have enough to see me through until sat and we are home Sunday eve.

Ps I already have a sun allergy so no worries there, I can't go in it much anyway and tend to stay covered / wear factor 50 all the time anyway!

[scaryteacher]

I found of all things, that Sudocream helped with the rash.