Can shingles itch rather than hurt?

[SolidGoldBrass]

This rash has basically exploded over my upper chest, and the only thing it really looks like when I hunt through the Icky Skin Problems Picture Galleries is shingles. But it is maddeningly itchy rather than sore.

Yes, itchy is usually the start of it. Is it like little blisters cos if it is shingles it has the potential to get quite painful.

See a GP if it has 'exploded all over your chest' as you would benefit from a course of acyclovir. And get some panadeine / forte.

Hate to think of you suffering that.

PHew, not shingles, as is much better today. It must have been a kind of photosensitive sunburn rash or something. It did look as though it was about to go blistery last night but today is faded and a smaller patch.
Thanks for the sympathy and advice anyway.