General Chat

hi roxanne shingles is very painful i had it last year.the pain started about 6 days before the blisters appeared. i hope you havent got it hun.but chicken pox is doing the rounds again as my 4yr old grandson has it. susie

What are the signs? Ive got the most awful rash, its like blisters,its so itchy and very sore, there coming out every 5 minutes, could it be? I do hope not:-((

From NHS Direct Shingles starts with a tingling sensation in the area affected, followed by pain. You may have a fever and feel unwell, though some people have no other symptoms. After about five days a rash appears. The rash occurs on one side of the body, often over the ribs, but may appear elsewhere. As in chickenpox, it takes the form of blisters containing virus particles. About three days after appearing, they turn yellowish and within a few days flatten, dry out and crust over. An episode of shingles usually lasts for 2-4 weeks. Some people experience pain following an attack, due to damage to the nerves, known as postherpetic neuralgia. This can last months and occasionally years. A person with shingles can pass on the virus (which would cause chickenpox in another person who has not previously had chickenpox). The person is contagious until the last blister has scabbed over. The virus spreads through direct contact with open blisters. A person with chickenpox or shingles cannot give someone shingles as shingles is a re- activation of the virus.

Symptoms The first symptom of shingles is often over-sensitivity or burning sensation on the skin in the affected area. After a few days, a rash develops. It usually appears as a band, following the route of a nerve under the skin. At first, the rash consists of small red spots and reddened skin in the same area. The spots then turn into small blisters, which dry up after a few days, and gradually form scabs. Once the scabs have fallen off, a small pock-mark may be left. Shingles is often a painful condition. As the virus affects the nerves, the pain may continue after the rash has cleared, sometimes lingering for weeks, months or even years. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia. It is more likely in older people and in people who had a severe rash.

yep pharmacist for you matey. bryan.

are they in one place only ? or are the in several different places ? Have you had chicken pox ? could it be that ? if you have any antihistamines take those, if you get loads more, go see doc, or at least pharmacy first (I know youre in Spain) E x

I had Chicken-pox as a child,can you get it twice? My grandaughter was here for christmas,she came down with it when she got home,Oh dear!looks like I might be in quarantine for a while!

i had shingles about 6 months ago, and it was dreadfull, still get terrible pain from it now, i hope its something else you have best wishes xxLynnxx

My son has had chicken pox twice!! Verified by Dr both times.

You can't get shingles unless you have had chickenpox...the same virus causes both. Shingles is not catching, but you can pass it on as chickenpox. It lies dormant and reappears if you are run down or stressed. It's not always painful. I had shingles in my twenties...with no pain. (Only one circle of blisters though). Hope you are better soon. Dee x

Hi Roxanne Hope you're soon feeling better, take care. Love Mandy xx

Ive covered myself in lotion to stop the itching,off to the doctors tomorrow. fingers crossed its just an allergy.

I had shingles, very itchy but very little pain, so it is not always painful. If you have ahd chickenpox the virus can be activated by being run down or stressed. You shold stay away from people because you can pass on chicken pox. ann Glos