Rash on DS's shoulder

[Miljah]

Came up a day or so ago. He's not an allergic person.

He says it's a bit itchy, he doesn't recall getting bitten.

What would you put on it in the absence of calamine lotion?

I put sudocreme on everything.

Maybe it's not, but it looks a lot like the start of shingles.

Poor soul looks like shingles. I was bothered with this in the exact same area as a child and it was painful. Still get it periodically as an adult, rash not so prominent. Calamine always worked best if you can get it.

Definitely looks like shingles.

Another vote for shingles - trip to the GP (sorry)

I think it looks like shingles too - it's following a nerve line as well.

Another shingles vote - don’t put anything on it - hope he isn’t too sore

Would we expect some pain and burning if it's shingles?

That does look like shingles I'm afraid. I've had it twice. He really should be seen by a gp within 48 hours of the rash onset. If it is shingles they will prescribe anti viral drugs but they're at their most effective when taken within 48 hours of the rash onset. The pain will come of it's shingles - he'll complain of burning / stabbing / and generally feeling rather unwell.

Has he sprayed Deodorant on his back? Seen this at work a few times, it was an allergic reaction to the spray.

I'm sorry I meant to also say that I personally wouldn't use calamine lotion. As it's chalk based, it tightens the skin when it dries, you literally have to scrub it to get it off. Completely counterproductive to the 2 seconds of relief it provides when it goes on. I know medical professionals who would have it banned. Cover the rash with a gauze and tape it down. Really, it's the anti viral drugs that he needs. Call your gp first thing if you don't have an out of hours emergency option and tell them you think it may be shingles.

Another vote for shingles this end op, hope he's sorted soon

Thanks everyone

Looks like it could develop into impetigo so trip to the GP is definitely in order.

Shingles felt quite tingly and prickly for both my DS and I.

If you get to the dr ASAP then the antivirals will limit it a bit.