Shingles

[*LittleMissSummer*]

I have shingles

The rash is just where my bra does up and it goes down towards my hips and goes around to my side. It first appeared as a small lump and now is about the size of a 20 cent coin and is now black and the other area is starting to get worse.

Is it normal for it to get worse before it gets better?? It used to be really painful but its not as bad only VERY itchy.

I'm on Valtrex, take nurofen plus for the pain as well as use calomine lotion to stop the itching.

How long should it last? its been about 10 days since i noticed the first small lump.

[~TT40~]

hi!
that sucks!
I dont know much about shingles, but know that the pain and symptoms can continue for a fair while after the rash disapears. and the rash can last for weeks (like about a month).

take care of your self, try some calomine or something to sooth the itch, and keep up with the painkillers, and rest and drink lots!!

hope it subsides sooner rather than later

[Eenee]

I've had shingles over ten times now, the first time I had it it lasted about a month. Subsequent times though it has lasted only a couple of weeks to a week. Unfortunately the pain and irritation can last for ages, my skin is still sensitive where i've had shingles as well as a numbness feeling. Hope it goes away soon cos shingles sucks!

[*LittleMissSummer*]

Are you serious? weeks to a month??? Ahh that sucks!!!!

[MummaSue]

Yeah, I've had shingles too and it was horrible and did last over 3 weeks for me. I got really bad muscular pain as well as the rash though, so watch out for that too.

[kirsty_lee]

You know.. when I saw your post the other day KM I didn't have time to respond but I immediately thought shingles... probably should of replied eh' lol sorry

I know that it can get really painful so just keep up the nurofen..

[toomanyshoes]

In my experience with calamine lotion it makes things WORSE once it starts to dry...100000x itchier!

There are other creams and pills you can take to help with the itchiness, I would be asking your GP or Pharmacist.

I've never had shingles but I am allergic to mosquitos and wouldn't touch calamine with a ten foot pole!

[*LittleMissSummer*]

You know.. when I saw your post the other day KM I didn't have time to respond but I immediately thought shingles... probably should of replied eh' lol sorry

I know that it can get really painful so just keep up the nurofen..

Haha no thats ok! i had absolutely no idea and then my mum came over and she instantly said shingles and then my doctor knew what it was without looking at it lol

It hasnt been TOO sore today but other days its been awful. *Hopefully* it goes away soon as the itching is unbearable!!

[kirsty_lee]

Pinetarsol Wash is realllly good for itchy. It smells like absolute **** though.. I won't lie.. its bad.. but you just chuck it in your bath and soak and ohhh yehhhhh its good

[toomanyshoes]

Pinetarsol Wash is realllly good for itchy. It smells like absolute **** though.. I won't lie.. its bad.. but you just chuck it in your bath and soak and ohhh yehhhhh its good

Yep I've used this too, its stinks but is awesome!

[*LittleMissSummer*]

I will have to get some of that tomorrow as this itching is horrible!!!! i keep scratching so it makes it worse

[Raupe]

Sweety, just remember shingles are the same virus as chicken pox. So if there is anyone in your household/family that hasn't had chicken pox, there is a big change they can catch it from you. Just thought I should mention! (Basically you catch chicken pox and then years later the same virus can break out again as shingles) If you are not 100% sure, you can get it confirmed at the doctor's!