Shingles

[Happydaze2]

Anyone here been diagnosed with shingles without having the usual spots/rash? I have been told it’s likely what I’ve had the last 3 weeks as I have had other symptoms (a weird stinging sensation like nerve pain in my face, headache, feeling generally below par) but no rash - just 2 blister-like spots, 1 just above my upper lip and 1 just below…which don’t appear to have any fluid inside them and haven’t scabbed or changed much at all in appearance. Thought they were cold sores (which also I’ve never had before) and treated them with Zovirax but went to GP when 2 weeks later they still hadn’t budged and their conclusion was probably shingles. I’m not convinced though, and just wondering if anyone else has experienced similar…

Both my son and I have had shingles without the fluid filled blisters just a little rash with a few tiny blisters but I wouldn't say fluid filled (more than 2 blister like spots though).

We both got away with very few blisters when we had chicken pox as well so maybe there is a connection.

I had shingles on the right side of my face in January, the rash was not very apparent, just a couple of spots (I understand without a rash at all it is called zoster zine herpete)

With me, I recognised the nerve pain as I have had shingles before on the same side of the body- back and it felt the same.

It seems to target that side of my body as I also had another episode on my right upper back and arm.

So, it doesn't come back in exactly the same place but another dermatome on the same side.

I'm still getting pain and I'm now on pregabalin and co-codomol for neuralgia.

I hope you recover soon

I have just posted on here with a similar thing.
Been told today I have shingles but I only have 5 small pimple like spots? Pain is very much like severe sunburn and like yourself, I feel generally unwell. No angry looking rash which I would normally associate with shingles.
I have been given anti viral meds which seem to be working already as they have taken the edge off the pain!!
Hope you feel better soon x

@Orangesandlemons77 I hope you feel better soon too - sounds like you’ve had a tough time.😔
@Hellocatshome I literally have just the two spots on one side of my mouth - one v small and blister-like, the other one bigger but not raised the same way. Very odd!
@eewehxo the way I described the sensation to the GP in my face was same as you - like sunburn, or as if I’d been slapped… I haven’t been given any meds like yours, I think because I’m more than 3 weeks along and now generally feeling better, though the nerve pain tends to make itself felt in the evening as I get more tired…and the “spots” or whatever they are (!) are still here. GP has prescribed a fusidic acid/hydrocortisone acetate cream to put on them twice daily for a week and after 3 days there’s no change whatsoever yet… I hope you feel better soon too x

Have you had covid? It's very common that people are developing shingles as a result.

@DoughnutDreams I have had Covid but not recently - it was last July…

@Happydaze2 They only give anti virals if you catch it within the first 3 days, I think after that they aren’t as effective. I was lucky I phoned out of hours and got seen yesterday otherwise I would have been in the same position as you, I really feel for you.
someone on my thread said they used voltarol for the nerve pain, perhaps you could try that of an evening?