Shingles

[kloofnek]

I have had shingles on on my tummy and back for a week now and although the rash is slowly going I am still in pain,it is starting to itch even though I did not have any open sores.Is this normal? Has anyone out there had them and know how long before completely cured.
Thanks

[Sqad]

Yes.....so far......so normal.
The pain SHOULD go with the rash......it should.
Too early for more useful comments and advice.

[EcclesCake]

The immediate pain subsided after about six weeks for my husband but he still has the odd tingle two years on.

[andy-hughes]

Yes, itching is normal, it's the nerve ends settling down from their inflammation that gives the agony you have no doubt suffered.

It will probably take a few more weeks for everything to settle completely, but people are different, and so is the strength of infection, so your GP is the best person to advise you in terms of how your condition is progressing.

[kloofnek]

Thank you for replies,intend to see doc in a week ,get his opinion.I have not seen him since I got it as I had to go up to the hospital's emergency department last Saturday morning.
I had shingles when I was thirteen and did not think one could have it again.Apparently,it is usually no more than twice.Most unpleasant!!!

[Sqad]

kloofneck,

More likely you had chicken pox aged 13 years.
Very, very unusual to get shingles twice.

[kloofnek]

According to the NHS website ..you can "It's possible to have shingles more than once, but it's very rare to get it more than twice. "
I am 72 so

[kloofnek]

i am 72 so will probably not live long enough to contact it again...hopefully!!!!

[NoMercy]

I had it when I was 9 but I was virtually asymptomatic.

[Samuraisan]

I had it about 10 years ago. I remember it being absolute agony, worse than giving birth. Poor you.

[Sqad]

"I had it about 10 years ago"

Yes! yes! Sammy, no doubt, but we are talking about shingles;-)

[Samuraisan]

Sqad ¿ que pasa? I meant I had shingles 10 years ago and it was very painful.

[Sqad]

;-)

[dannyk13]

Sam, it's just Sqad being facetious.

[Samuraisan]

Sqad, if men had to give birth it would be painless by now , or we would be extinct .

[Barsel]

If it's starting to itch, could you put some calamine lotion on it?

[Sqad]

Yes.......why not!

[Sqad]

Better still, hydrocortisone cream.

[Palustris]

I have had Shingles three times now. the first time it was not diagnosed early enough and the pain iis still with me 20 years on. The second time I saw the Doctor immediately and insisted on the anti virus and pain killer even though there was no rash. So no pain. The third time, again no rash, but Dr. would not treat it as "You cannot get Shingles three times,". So now after 4 years the pain is still there. Don't believe all you are told.

[kloofnek]

Gosh did not expect all these posts..thank you all
I have been putting E45 cream on it these last two days,since it has began to abate..my "spots" did not get to the point where they became open sores ... caught it early. For the last week have been hanging around half dressed,cannot wear anything close to the body..mainly a night or and dressing gown ...feel so lazy..got hubby cooking which is the only good thing at the moment...cos I HATE it!!

[Palustris]

PS. Paid up and had the injection for immunity. Worth every penny if it stops me getting it again.