what is this rash?

[Calluna]

This rash popped up a few days ago and is just getting worse.
It is itchy and hurts like heck if I scratch it.
Under the rash feels kind of bruised/ achy and that side of my chest is a bit sore.
I also have a bit if a rash on my back. It feels the same but the spots are more spread out.
I have had nausea for 2 days and a headache that started this morning that I put down to stress.
I am tired. But that's fairly normal for me.
My eyes are dry but I thought that's because I'm tired.
My body is a bit achey. Nothing unusual there either.

[willow5]

Is it to one side of your body, blistery? If you're stressed it could be shingles, if you had chicken pox when you were younger. That can flare if you're run down and stressed and can make you feel very gross

Hope you feel better soon, hopefully it's just a contact rash and will be easy and quick to clear up.

[Calluna]

Noo that's exactly what a friend on fb said. I came looking for happier answer lol!

[willow5]

Oh I'm sorry!! I'm sure it's something much less sinister. Have you changed your washing powder recently? Or soap/body wash? Could be an allergy...

[Calluna]

Nope I can't get to the doctor until Monday either. The only bulk billing surgery near us it's not accessible by bus and it's too far to walk.

[willow5]

Can you get to a chemist? Sometimes pharmacist are good at recognising rashes. They might be able to give you some advice on how to make it more comfortable until Monday.

[Calluna]

Yeah, I went to one near me yesterday but she said I should see a doctor. She didn't want me to put any thing on it so the doctor can see what it looks like untreated.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

Sounds like shingles

I had it on my back right where my bra sat and my god it was painful AND itchy as all hell! I used calomine lotion and took panadol.

[willow5]

Oh well I guess you just need to wait it out. If it's really uncomfortable you could try ice. If it's a rash from a plant, insect or something like that cold might take the flare out of it. You shouldn't have to be completely uncomfortable until Monday

[Calluna]

I was thinking of some nurofen. Panadol never does anything for me. Does that mean I can't go out for dinner tonight? I really need a night off...

Thanks Willow and LMS. I hope the doctor has a less serious diagnosis.. I'm supposed to be meeting my new nephew in the next week or so.

Damn. I was supposed to be having a massage this week too. Won't be able to do that either.

[willow5]

I'm not sure about when you're contagious with shingles Do you know if you actually had chicken pox as a kid? If you didn't then it's not likely to be shingles.

[Calluna]

I had it when I was 5.

Is it contagious via general contact our would they have to come in contact with a sore/ bacteria from a sore? Can I make sure I wash my hands well and not touch it?

[willow5]

I think it's like chicken pox and is contagious while the sores are oozing. That's IF it is shingles it might not be

[Calluna]

The ones on my back have scabs but not sure if thats from scratching them. The ones under my boob have tiny blisters but not oozing.

I dunno what to do...

I know it might not be, I guess I figured I should just go with the worst case scenario.

[willow5]

I don't know. I think it's mostly a big problem for pregnant women and people who haven't had chicken pox. So babies would be a no no if you really think it could be shingles. If I was going out with adults, no one pg and no babies/young kids, I might see if I could cover the rash, thoroughly wash my hands and have absolute minimal physical contact with anyone. Be careful with touching your eyes, we had a resident at work (aged care) with shingles and it spread to her eyes s IF it were to be there you could spread it by touching your eyes then touching someone else I guess. I feel bad for suggesting it now, I feel like I've freaked you out and made you more miserable but I guess you do need to be careful, just in case. Is the rash only on your right or left side or both?

[*LittleMissSummer*]

I've had a look at your photos and i'm 90% certain its shingles as it looks exactly like what mine did. Others can only catch it/chicken pox if they come in contact with the affected area. You are still free to do anything you like only if youre up for it of course!

I went out to dinner, and did all sorts of things when i had it. Its just painful and uncomfortable thats all.

[willow5]

Did you post photos here? Or was that on fb?

[Calluna]

Theres one in my op. "rash" is a link. Sorry, it's a little hidden. I didn't do that very well.

It's on my right side under my breast. And right side just at the bottom of my shoulder blade.

It's ok Willow. I need to know it's possible and a friend on fb had already suggested it, so really you just confirmed what she was saying.


Thanks LMS, In that case I'll still go out for dinner but hold of on visiting the family until I've seen a doctor.