Shingles?

[Whenlifegiveslemons]

I've been diagnosed with shingles, I'm taking anti viral meds (I'm on day 3) - rash started 6 days ago. I've got no other symptoms apart from the rash, it's been sore & tingly but seems to be scabbing. I've now got a red heated patch, which hopefully you can see in pics.

I'm worried. Has anyone else ever had this?

(I'm going to get docs appt tomorrow).

Here are pics

A pharmacist. I've attached pics above but waiting for them to be approved

My mum had it a few weeks ago. Caught early as soon as her rash came up. Took antivirals straight away, rash cleared within a couple of days. No other symptoms and no lasting effects.

Feel better 😊

Shingles is painful, so good that you are on the anti-virals. The tingling can last a while. It seems to be worse if you are generally tired or run down.
If the pain is bad, regular paracetamol can help.

Your GP can help assess whether you risk a recurrence. Hope you feel better soon.

Bathe it with cotton wool and witch hazel. It works for cooling and soothing. It also helps them scab over quicker.

Why are you worried? It’s been diagnosed and you are on meds. Fairly common thing and no lasting issues. Why do you need to see the doctor? They can’t do anything else for you?

I've just contracted shingles too - rash looks exactly the same. I don't think the doctor will be able to do anything more for you if you're already on antivirals. Apply non-fragranced moisturiser and keep them covered up. Be aware of risk groups - pregnant women, those who haven't had chicken pox, those with low immunity etc.

I see the additional red patch. I'd take an antihistamine as well and see if that clears the red patch up. Allevia (fexofenadine) is a long lasting antihistamine that's available otc.

Just check that you can take both the ah and the av.

I had it a couple of years ago. I had no idea what it was as it started with excruciating rib pain but no rash at first. It was very painful nerve pain and normal painkillers didn't help. Once the rash appeared on one side of my ribs I realised what it was. I was prescribed pregabalin for the pain which helped massively. I've been left with numbness in that area but I was too late to take anti virals which probably would have sorted it much sooner.

Thanks all for replies. I had been feeling quite worried about it which isn't like me, never had anything like this before and really very sore & painful. I've held off on a docs appointment for now & will ride it out until av course is complete. I think its nerve pain I'm getting, so if it persists will speak to GP.

Thank you, wondering if that medication may help me. Rash is better, healing but nerve pain is really quite painful when it shoots.

I've felt worried as the redness isn't bettering even though I've been taking AV meds since Monday. I will ride it out but thought I may be able to get something for pain or possibly having a reaction to the AV with the redness

I had it recently; felt ill for the first day then then rash appeared; once I started the tablets it never got any worse. It was pretty mild and uneventful really!

It was great for me. I was in so much pain I couldn't sleep. See how you go but it may be worth asking for it if the pain doesn't improve soon. Hope you recover quicklyx

It can take 2-3 weeks to disappear.

Shingles can last weeks. Simple google on NHS website:

How long shingles lasts
It can take up to 4 weeks for the shingles rash to heal.
Your skin can be painful for weeks after the rash has gone, but it usually gets better over time.

The pharmacist can also tell you this and NHS advice is to see a pharmacist.

You are worrying yourself and could easily put your mind at rest by visiting the NHS website.