Does this look like shingles?

[Shellcollector]

Excuse my bum, first thing on a Saturday morning, but does this look like a shingles rash? It appeared yesterday with the main bit to the side of my bum crack and another bit on my actual bum cheek. It feels kind of tingly, not painful.

Yes, it could well be. Have you felt unwell recently ?

Thanks. No, not unwell, just a bit tired. DP just had a big op last Friday and I've been rushing about visiting, he's still in hospital 2.5 hours away. And I've been snacking rather than having proper meals.

I wonder if 111 would prescribe antivirals for you ?

is It painful? Is it on one side only? It does look like shingles. I had shingles last year and it looked just like this and hurt like hell

Yes. One side only. Not sore, just kind of tingly and a bit itchy.

Yes that's how my DD's looked

Shit. Typically at the weekend.
If they're covered (which they obviously would be given where they are) can I still visit DP in hospital?

Oh no, does look like shingles. If you need medication I don’t know what it is usually but I do know it needs to be started very early, so maybe call 111?
As for visiting hospital, obviously you can’t pass on shingles but you can pass on chickenpox to others, especially pregnant women or immunocompromised so doesn’t sound like a good idea to go to hospital. It spreads airbourne/droplet not just touch btw so there is a risk of spreading it.

Oh. I thought chickenpox could only be spread through actual contact with the blisters.

You need to see a GP and start on anti- virals asap if it’s shingles.

You can't transmit shingles through airborne droplets. Contact with the blisters / fluid can give someone chickenpox (no one catches shingles, it's a reactivation of a virus). If the blisters are covered, you should be fine but I would speak to Dr on the ward to make sure.

Does sound like shingles, especially given it's only one side. I'd call 111 for a prescription for antivirals. If you start them early, they're very effective (worked well for me).

I'd try antihistamines and antihistamine cream first then see if it improves, I'd give it a day and no longer then seek advice. I get clusters of blisters like that when I've reacted to soap or shower gel.

I've called NHS24. Just waiting on a call back.

Yes it looks like it. The earlier you get antivirals the better. Try 111. Have you been ill or stressed recently?
You should check with the hospital before visiting. It should be fine as the rash will be covered, but stll.

DP's not keen on me going in if it is. Which is fair enough, I don't blame him.

Got referred to minor injuries clinic. It is shingles, so I've got antivirals to take. Thanks for all the advice, it stopped me lathering on some germolene and carrying on as normal.

Glad you've got medication.

(Thought it was a photo of your bum crack at first).