Herpes Simplex 1 outbreak on face - help

[MsMcMurphy]

Just that really. Looks horrendous: I have not left the house for a week. It all started with a cold sore which I treated immediately with Zovirax and seemed to heal, and subsequently almost overnight developed a rash of seeping blisters over chin, nose and cheeks. I'd say 60% of my face is affected. Next appointment with GP is tomorrow and now the majority has crusted over but still far from healed. I am quite shocked and have been off work as have never experienced this before beyond a solitary cold sore. Does anyone out there have similar experience? Does anyone have tips on how to accelerate recovery and are there any ways to prevent this? I haven't felt particularly run down although it appears that this is a main cause once you have the virus in your system. I need to get back to work - when is it safe to use concealer? Thanks for reading and any advice would be appreciated!

Poor you You are sure it is not impetigo?
Otherwise you immune system must be really run down and you need lysine.

Pro: I have just returned from the gp - you are right! It is a secondary impetigo bullish triggered by the herpes sore! Now on penicillin! What a relief but it has been an utter nightmare. Thank you

I stopped using zovirax because it would stop the original cold sore, but i’d have a huge break out somewhere else day or so later with no warning.

I now just put up with them and they heal quickly enough.

I was going to say 60% of your face is huge, so not suprised there was something else going on.

@MsMcMurphy
all the best!

Thank you! It is amazing what an impact such a thing has on your life. I was becoming depressed just after a few days of this - unable to leave the house or work.
Still on the mend now!

Is it shingles?

Yes and no. It was apparently a piggy-back infection on top of the virus infection. So I guess we are talking a virus (herpes simplex) with complication of bacterial (staphylococcus) on top.