Itchy

[omelette]

About 3 weeks ago an itchy rash appeared on my side, about 4 inches above my hip. The rash was approx 2 inches long by half an inch high. Over the next few days it started to itch and become slightly inflamed. Little blisters/bumps appeared. It continued to itch and got a little sore but I thought I'd leave it a while before wasting the Doc's time. Over the last 3-4 days the blisters have gone down and the itching is stopping. Now there is just a feint red mark and the skin is a little dry. Was this Shingles do you think? Never had it before and as far as I know haven't been in contact with anyone who currently has Shingles. Thanks.

[Katoninelive]

Yes, it sounds like shingles. I've had them 3 times! You can catch them off people who have 'Chickenpox'

[omelette]

Thanks for the reply. Once you've had them are you susceptible to getting them again?

[Katoninelive]

Yes, so i'm told.

[omelette]

Oh good!

My nephew had chicken pox around 6 weeks ago. Maybe he was the cause!

[Katoninelive]

Yes it's normally the 'Little ones' who are the most 'Infectious!'

[pusskin]

hi Omelette.

snap -- about 3 yrs ago, I had exactly the same thing.
Blisters came up in one cluster on my side , and were itchy and sore. no problem. Doctor gave me cream , and they vanished soon afterwards.
Luckily, they havent returned !!!

[omelette]

I only had this 'one' patch on one side of my body - no others. Is this normal?

[sqad617]

Sorry, to be awkward, but IF it is shingles it is a very odd presentation as it sounds more loke an allergy. Shingles is painful and the lesions tend to be discreet and you describe a rash 2inches long and half an inch high.
Don't know if you are a female, but it sounds like a contact dermatitis, probably due to metal ?new bra.

[omelette]

I just had a look on Google for Shingle images and I'm pretty sure that is what I had/have.

The area was very itchy but not painful.

And 'new bra'? The area is 4 inches above my hip! I'm more 'pert' than that lol.

[sqad617]

LOL I am sure you are LOL....sir!!!!
Not convinced it was shingles though.

[Drisgirl]

Best see your GP anyhow as the ramifications of shingles can last years if there has been significant nerve damage.I would err on the side of caution TBH.

Hope youre well soon x

[Goodsoulette]

also you dont catch shingles. You cant get them off people who have chicken pox. Someone could catch chicken pox from you if you had shingles though.

[Goodsoulette]

arghhh that cut my post...


If you have had chicken pox in the past then it is possible it was shingles, if not then it wasn't.

[jen78]

I'm with sqad, sounds more like a patch of contact dermatitis caused by a reaction to something.

[bigmamma]

I 've heard shingles is very painful as it involves the nerves . Your best bet is to get your gp to check it out . It could indeed be an allergic reaction or some other localised rash . You say you've been in contact with chicken pox though so I would certainly get it checked . All the best x

[terambulan]

Sounds like shingles......calamine lotion is good to ease the blisters and scratching.

If you break the blisters from scratching they leave a scar.

[LoftyLottie]

Sounds like shingles to me to. I have had several attacks and actually they haven't been very painful (thankfully) but have still been confirmed as shingles.

[sqad617]

jen78..it's just you and me darling.LOL