Could it be shingles?

[AlphaLemon]

Since Friday I’ve had the most irritating burning or nerve tingling type sensation on my left ribs, but in a very localised area. I put it down to a dodgy bra irritating me.
Since then it’s continued to hurt and burn and this morning, I have the smallest, mildest looking rash (probably only about size of a 50p). I definitely haven’t caused this by scratching as I’ve left it well alone.

The reason I ask is because my grandfather is going through chemo so I wouldn’t want to see him if it is an issue, but it seems like such a small rash to waste a trip to the GP on.

Can anyone advise how I could definitely tell one way or the other?

Sorry at the risk of drip feeding, I’m also pregnant

sorry, I think it could be
have you had chicken pox previously?

Yes it’s possible and good you’re thinking along those lines in good time. See your GP or nurse. Quick diagnosis makes treatment MUCH more effective. Sensible to steer clear if grandad, even though it should be safe xx

Thanks both! I wasn’t sure if a GP might think I’m being a hypochondriac because the rash is so minute!

No, everything you say- especially your pregnancy and the chemo- makes it really helpful you've noticed early and get advice/treatment.

I'd say so and I would go asap as both CP and shingles can be really nasty.

I had cp as a child and got it from DD 5 years ago (not shingles) and was in hospital.

If you've had cp before, it lies dormant in your spine and is reactivated if run down. It's the herpes zoster virus.

Having had cp previously is not a guarantee of immunity at all, although people constantly say it is

Good luck OP

Thanks all. GP says unlikely shingles as the rash is so small and not blistered but to go back it I develop one.
He did offer me stronger painkillers which I thought was strange.
I’ll stick with the paracetamol for now!

That’s odd thing for gp to say. When DH had shingles they didn’t blister until about a week later. Also his rash on his shoulder blade was very small.

Yeah - the main reason I went is because all of the nhs guidance says to go as soon as possible because early treatment is preferable.
It hurts like irritated sunburn to the extent that I can’t even wear a bra and he didn’t really offer any better advise!

mmm... be careful there OP

MY best friend had a dot on her lip, a large dot that is all. She then became so ill.

Not sure what else I could do. I’ll be having the paracetamol but didn’t want to take him up on the offer of anything stronger.

could you ring your midwife? it can be risky in early pregnancy