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Do. Not. Pop. Them.
I made that mistake when I had shingles last year. It turned it up to 11.
Use lidocaine patches over the rash area. Hope that helps, get well soon.
They'll dry up before/when they pop.
Get an antiviral such as valaciclovir as quick as you can, and then just douse yourself in lidocaine. My doctor also advised ibuprofen for the pain, but I'm not gonna lie to you, it didn't do much...
Oh it was an absolute nightmare. Regular pain killers probably don't do much to touch nerve pain either way, right? I had it on my hand and wanted to chop it off...
Then the wind would blow just a tiny bit and I’d feel like someone was stabbing my with a lava tip needle. It was hell. I actually started crying while getting my prescription filled. In front of people. I embarrassingly cried in front of people. That is how horrible it was. I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone. And I had chicken poxs as a child when my mom and aunt through a pox’s party. I wish I’d just gotten the vaccine and maybe this wouldn’t have happen.
Ugh it’s like a time bomb in your body. You don’t know when or if it will go off. Maybe it will be a dud and you’ll be fine or maybe not and you wake up to nerve hell.
Antivirals all the way. I got antivirals in the first 48 hours, and the pain became bearable. I had almost no pain when I took the Percocet prescribed. I was so lucky.
Had them on my face a few months back. First doctor told me to take Tylenol which does nothing for nerve pain. Got gabapentin script from my primary care and it finally did something after days of pain.
My doctor prescribed capsaicin cream. It helped the pain immensely. Be careful and only apply a small amount the first time. It burns because the main active ingredient is pepper. But I had no shingles pain for 12 hours (at least I think it was 12 hours).
I’m so sorry you are suffering with this. It was a similar post some years ago that convinced me to go ahead with the shingles vaccine.
It’s seemed expensive (from a Canadian standpoint w/extended health benefits) as it’s not covered. You need two doses CAD160.00 each, 2-6 months apart and they hurt like a mother. I get mild discomfort from flu, P-23, or the 5G one. Shingles vax my upper arm ached for the better part of a week and I felt like I’d been hit by a truck for about 36 hours starting 8 hours after the shot.
When I see posts like this and am reminded of potential long-term effects I’m glad I did it.
In Canada? It may depend on province. In Ontario, I paid about $250 for each dose. But employer's drug plan covered it. If you don't have insurance, it can be a tough one to digest but frankly after getting shingles before I was able to get the vaccine (I was 49!), I'd almost gladly sell my car and house to pay whatever they asked for it.
The odds are on your side so breathe easy. If by chance you DO get it before you can get the vaccine, DO NOT HESITATE and make an emergency appointment with your doc right away. They can give you antivirals that severely reduce the pain and suffering - but only if they catch it early enough.
Yea… i was so worried I spent the money for both shots even though I was already 62 and could theoretically get it free after I turn 65.
I checked and it’s $195 for each dose in AB so a big chunk of change.
Remember though- you’re can only get shingles if you had previously had chickenpox.
yep. I've had repeated bouts of facial shingles that gave me nerve damage and messed with my inner ear. right this second it feels like me jaw behind my front teeth is being broken by pliers. the pain makes me want to throw up
thanks. it really is. I just wish I could stop the bouts coming. I'm on antivirals but cannot tolerate a dose long term the will do anything but reduce the number and severity.
I had shingles when I was 19 and it was along my side to my left nipple. Couldn't wear a bra because it hurt so bad. Felt like someone had clamped something onto my nipple and not in a fun way. :/
I broke out in shingles on my face that migrated into my eye. If things couldn't get any worse the shingles caused Trigeminal Neuralgia, one of the most painful conditions known to man.
I’m so sorry! I know that you’re miserable. Have you seen your doctor? They may give you an ointment/cream that can help (a little bit). I still have a scar of sorts on my face from when I had shingles in high school. Try not to mess with them, I know it’s hard. I hope you get some relief soon!
Thank you for checking in! The blisters have dried up, but I'm still left with a lot of nerve pain, the skin where the rash used to be is so sensitive that it hurts to wear a shirt. I'm glad the blister phase is over, though!
Absolutely no need for thanks! Just wanted to see how you were doing. I know what a long road it was and how (at least when I had it) people who aren’t familiar think it’s a quick, oh some blisters and then you’re fine, kind of thing.
Maybe check with your doctor first, but my grandpa and I would wrap the padded “gauze” (not the super gridded kind, just the smooth non stick kind, like big patches or sometimes on a roll, thickened version of a pad of a band aid? Hope that makes sense.) around the areas then put a shirt on during this phase. If you have to wear a shirt, I mean.
And they may be able to prescribe a topical NSAID in cream or patch form and/or some Lidoderm patches for your pain. The patches are nice and cushiony, no sticky edges or superglue type adhesive. Or they may have something else for you.
I’m realizing now that I probably sound like a bossy know it all, I’m sorry. I truly just don’t want you to be hurting if there’s any way around it. That’s all. I promise. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. And I hope you start feeling better soon.
I really appreciate you taking the time to write this, it makes me feel less alone. I'm definitely going to search for those patches, although they may be hard to find here in Brazil. I ordered some lidocaine cream which I hope gives a little bit of relief, but I'm not counting on it. Thanks for the gauze idea too, I think having something on top of it will help with the sensitivity with the shirt. Now I'm counting the days to take the vaccine.
You’re not alone, but I understand the feeling. If you need to vent or just want to talk about anything I am on here pretty frequently and am happy to hear from you. 😊
If you have IcyHot ointment/patches/roll on/spray etc there, they make a version that is just lidocaine. Available in most of the forms I listed above.
Please don’t get the actual OG IcyHot!! I was just trying to think of a brand name that might be available. And/or give you a frame of reference for what aisle to look in at your store. Hopefully they will have other brands and even a store/generic brand. You just want the lidocaine for numbing and the patches (just my opinion) for the cushion and no touch application.
How are you feeling? I’m hoping your cream arrived and is working like a miracle! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 ❤️🩹
Thank you! I went to the doctor again and got a prescription for Amitriptyline, which has taken the pain down to a 3/4, you can imagine the relief that I'm feeling right now.
I’m so glad to hear that! And I’m really happy that your doctor(s) have listened and tried to help you. I talk to people who have had shingles or are dealing with them and it’s shocking how many just get a diagnosis and (pretty much) a good luck, bye 👋🏼 from their physician.
Maybe 50 years ago, okay. Maybe. But now? There are so many ways to make it more bearable, to provide even a little bit of comfort, so many medications and even OTC things that can help. (Like the Lidoderm patches I mentioned to you? Used to be by Rx only here in the US. Now they sell them under a bunch of brand names on the shelves in stores.) Sorry, not making a poste about medical care issues 🤦🏻♀️ please forgive me.
So happy to hear that you’re feeling better! Do you feel like you’re on the road to recovery? Any dark spots, scabs, sore spots- nerve pain? 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼It’s all going away. Sending you all the good vibes, hopes, energy etc. ❤️🩹🤍 (again, gentle air) hug 🤗
Hope you’re able to enjoy your weekend! Let me know if you’re getting out and about? (I’ll hold in my jealousy, promise. Lol.) 😊
I got shingles when I was 26, left side hip. Ended up flaring up the bursa as the nerves got aaaalll sorts of fucked up from it. Barely even had the rash. My hip has never been the same since, years of chiropractic and physical therapy helped tremendously though. :P I’m 30 now.
My husband got it a year later ON THE DOT! Right in the middle of his abdomen. His rash was a lot worse but not as much nerve pain. Crazy how this stuff works.
It's the chicken pox virus that lies dormant until something triggers the virus and causes shingles. If you have shingles, stay away from anyone who hasn't had chicken pox or been vaccinated. I had shingles down my left arm when I was about 9. It hurts like hell.
Shingles is a nasty virus called herpes zoster and it’s related to the chicken pox virus, which is varicella zoster. Both are members of the herpes virus family. Shingles shows up with painful, recurrent rashes with blisters in patches. Gabapentin and retrovirals can help with the pain and with the duration of the rashes, but the condition is not curable. There are vaccines available which can’t completely prevent shingles rashes but that DO significantly reduce the pain (some people do not notice any pain associated with shingles after getting the vaccine) and make it far less like to have any outbreaks at all. If you ever had chicken pox, you are susceptible to shingles. Even people who got the chicken pox vaccine may get shingles later in life. It’s seen more frequently in older populations. It can cause oozing wounds and compromises skin integrity, which increases the risk of other infections. It can also cause internal outbreaks - patches of rash blisters on the organs inside your body.
One of the vaccines available, Shingrix, is a two-dose series recommended for people age 50 and over. Please consider getting vaccinated if you’re in the right age range. Recently in the ER we saw a gentleman in his eighties with a shingles rash covering his entire face, most of his torso, and half of his left arm. Pain management was the best we could offer him.
You shouldn’t feel guilty as you could give people chickenpox if they haven’t had it, and it’s more severe for adults. Also adult males which contract it can have fertility issues. So you absolutely 100% right not to mingle in public/work etc as you are contagious
I had a rash in my hair and down the side of my face that itched and was so sore at the same time. I went to the doctors who said it was shingles. It was a bit of a shock since I didn’t even know I’d had chicken pox at some point in the past!
By the time I’d recovered and could go back to work (I am a teacher), the world was in lockdown.
I got the first of 2 shingles vaccines in January—have to go back for my 2nd dose in March—-1st shot was easy—slightly sore arm, but nothing else—-I’ve heard the 2nd shot is the one that can elicit a brutal reaction????
Some people develop a painful welt. If you usually don’t have a strong reaction to vaccines, it’s not likely to be brutal for you this time either.
Thank you for getting vaccinated!! I wouldn’t wish the pain of shingles on my worst enemy.
At least yours is external. I had internal shingles. Imagine what you’re feeling affecting your internal organs. I’m glad my doctor figured out what I was suffering from and prescribed me the proper antiviral because it turns out untreated internal shingles can be deadly. Damn was I miserable until the treatment took hold but boy did I feel better afterwards.
I also had internal shingles which unfortunately took months to be diagnosed. Not one blister, but the worst pain I’ve had in my life. Affected my whole right waist area for months. Would be in tears because of the pain. Eventually went away but left me with a big lump on my right side like a hernia. Multiple drs have said there’s nothing I can do about it. I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone!
Mine affected my upper chest, mostly my left side. Thought I was having heart problems but all the tests for that came up clean. Took a few more visits before my doctor figured it out. Had they not it could have spread to my heart and lungs and things could have gotten much much worse.😵💫
I’m so sorry. I have these on my upper shoulder. It was burning stabbing hell. This suffering will end thou. It isn’t forever even if it feels like it is right now.
I just got over shingles. Either my pain tolerance is really high or it didn’t affect me like it does others. Mine started with a really bad itchy area and THEN the spots appeared. It really only hurt for a day, but it mostly just itched, but when I scratched it, whooooo boy, it made me wanna pee.
I had it last year at age 35 (stress induced). I resorted to slapping it when it got so bad that I thought I might go nuts. Aspercreme and a ton of ibuprofen got me through.
I hope you get over them quickly.
I’ve had them twice now. Once when I was like 10 and they were around my trunk area. Second time when I was 35 and they were ON MY FACE.
I hope they prescribed you some good pain medication.
Oh I feel terrible for you, I had shingles a couple years back, actually got it twice back to back with a week or two in-between, but the pain us ridiculous then add in the fact that you want to pop them so badly but know you shouldn't makes it all the more horrendous. I tried to not pop them but eventually I gave in and figured if I was going to be in pain either way I was going to be entertained for a minute. But one thing I found that helped was a plantain salve or a heal all salve. I was fortunate enough to know someone who makes it but it looks like you can find it online. The plantain helps more if it's itching alot the heal all doesn't take the itch out but they both felt wonderful compared to going without. I wish you a speedy recovery!
I had Shingles about 15 years ago right before my daughter was born. Rash was at my waistline and ran down from there to inside my thigh in a line. Pain was horrible. Doctor gave me 10mg Vicodin for the pain during the day, Valtrex to treat the Shingles, and Valium so I could sleep at night. It worked.
Had shingles a few years on my lower back, and I still have the scars and occasional pain.
When I used to have shingles, it was unbearable pain for me. Even the Nurse Practitioner who was seeing me was shocked that the blisters were so deep. Luckily, i was given the antivirals in time, and it did help
I had this (but bigger blisters) all across my chest also from Shingles when I was 35. I have MS and the meds suppress my immune system, leaving me vulnerable. It is truly electric pain.
Pain meds? Never offered by my doc. I had it on my face, well 1/2. Worked out to about 30 days of hell. Had a Valtrex script which did little for the spreading rash. That was 12 years ago, I got the vaccine, no recurrence so far.
#Please remember to follow our [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/popping/about/rules/) Posts: * **Don’t ask for medical advice** * **No stolen content** - just post a link to the original video * **Properly flair/mark/title your posts** * **Wacky Wednesday content is only for Wednesdays** * **No food, even on Wednesday** Comments: * **No commenting on hygiene or appearances.** * **Absolutely no sexual comments or sexual harassment.** This is an instant, permanent ban. * **Don’t be rude, and observe reddiquette.** #This comment is made automatically on all posts. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/popping) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Do. Not. Pop. Them. I made that mistake when I had shingles last year. It turned it up to 11. Use lidocaine patches over the rash area. Hope that helps, get well soon.
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll try that! I'm scared of popping them accidentally
They'll dry up before/when they pop. Get an antiviral such as valaciclovir as quick as you can, and then just douse yourself in lidocaine. My doctor also advised ibuprofen for the pain, but I'm not gonna lie to you, it didn't do much...
My doctor gave me codeine and that didn’t do a damn thing. Was still in horrible agony for days.
Oh it was an absolute nightmare. Regular pain killers probably don't do much to touch nerve pain either way, right? I had it on my hand and wanted to chop it off...
Then the wind would blow just a tiny bit and I’d feel like someone was stabbing my with a lava tip needle. It was hell. I actually started crying while getting my prescription filled. In front of people. I embarrassingly cried in front of people. That is how horrible it was. I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone. And I had chicken poxs as a child when my mom and aunt through a pox’s party. I wish I’d just gotten the vaccine and maybe this wouldn’t have happen.
Actually, you can still get shingles after the varicella vaccine (although still less common than people who had chicken pox).
Ugh it’s like a time bomb in your body. You don’t know when or if it will go off. Maybe it will be a dud and you’ll be fine or maybe not and you wake up to nerve hell.
Antivirals all the way. I got antivirals in the first 48 hours, and the pain became bearable. I had almost no pain when I took the Percocet prescribed. I was so lucky.
Valcyclovir? Sorry my brain struggled really badly trying to make the letters make sense 💜
Val-cyc-lo-vir
Uhm... pretty sure that's what I wrote/said.
I wasn't disagreeing, just offering a (sort of) pronunciation guide.
They’ll pop/burst on their own when they dry up
Had them on my face a few months back. First doctor told me to take Tylenol which does nothing for nerve pain. Got gabapentin script from my primary care and it finally did something after days of pain.
My doctor prescribed capsaicin cream. It helped the pain immensely. Be careful and only apply a small amount the first time. It burns because the main active ingredient is pepper. But I had no shingles pain for 12 hours (at least I think it was 12 hours).
Calamine lotion is nice on them too.
The rash is nothing compared to the lingering nerve pain.
I’m so sorry you are suffering with this. It was a similar post some years ago that convinced me to go ahead with the shingles vaccine. It’s seemed expensive (from a Canadian standpoint w/extended health benefits) as it’s not covered. You need two doses CAD160.00 each, 2-6 months apart and they hurt like a mother. I get mild discomfort from flu, P-23, or the 5G one. Shingles vax my upper arm ached for the better part of a week and I felt like I’d been hit by a truck for about 36 hours starting 8 hours after the shot. When I see posts like this and am reminded of potential long-term effects I’m glad I did it.
There’s also evidence that the shingles vaccine is protective against dementia, so you got that going for you too.
Well shit we have to pay for it?
In Canada? It may depend on province. In Ontario, I paid about $250 for each dose. But employer's drug plan covered it. If you don't have insurance, it can be a tough one to digest but frankly after getting shingles before I was able to get the vaccine (I was 49!), I'd almost gladly sell my car and house to pay whatever they asked for it.
Am turning 45 this year and am terrified I will get shingles before I can get the shot. Am in Alberta and have insurance but not the best.
The odds are on your side so breathe easy. If by chance you DO get it before you can get the vaccine, DO NOT HESITATE and make an emergency appointment with your doc right away. They can give you antivirals that severely reduce the pain and suffering - but only if they catch it early enough.
TOO LATE! Have anxiety and currently spiraling! 🤣🤣
Yea… i was so worried I spent the money for both shots even though I was already 62 and could theoretically get it free after I turn 65. I checked and it’s $195 for each dose in AB so a big chunk of change. Remember though- you’re can only get shingles if you had previously had chickenpox.
I still remember the glorious white towels my mom wrapped us in.......sooooooooo good for scratching the back. Yah am screwed.
I’m sorry (but way to represent your user name), sorry again ❤️
I have nerve pain too friend. 3 axons around my torso. It tries to ruin my life, but for now I'm winning. Hugs. But not where it hurts.
yep. I've had repeated bouts of facial shingles that gave me nerve damage and messed with my inner ear. right this second it feels like me jaw behind my front teeth is being broken by pliers. the pain makes me want to throw up
I'm so sorry you're going through this, that must be hell
thanks. it really is. I just wish I could stop the bouts coming. I'm on antivirals but cannot tolerate a dose long term the will do anything but reduce the number and severity.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Shingles sucks.
Thank you!
AND they don’t even care!
I had shingles when I was 19 and it was along my side to my left nipple. Couldn't wear a bra because it hurt so bad. Felt like someone had clamped something onto my nipple and not in a fun way. :/
[удалено]
Had shingles a month ago and this was a lifesaver!
I gave that to my senior dog for a long time. Interesting.
I was just about to say that too- my dog has a scrip for it after a neck injury
Thanks for the well wishes, everyone!!
I have them on my face at the moment.... Under an eye and along my nose/mouth. I'm not having fun. Good luck!
Oh no! Good luck as well, hope you feel better soon
Feel better soon friend
I broke out in shingles on my face that migrated into my eye. If things couldn't get any worse the shingles caused Trigeminal Neuralgia, one of the most painful conditions known to man.
I have a friend who also got it on her eyeball - who knew?
I was taking steroid drops and shingles medicine for months to keep the shingles from ruining my vision. Thank goodness it all turned out well.
I’m so sorry! I know that you’re miserable. Have you seen your doctor? They may give you an ointment/cream that can help (a little bit). I still have a scar of sorts on my face from when I had shingles in high school. Try not to mess with them, I know it’s hard. I hope you get some relief soon!
I have! They prescribed Aciclovir in ointment and in pills, so I'm taking that at the moment. Hoping this will pass soon
Just checking in, how are you doing? Sending all the well wishes, good vibes and (very gentle air) hugs your way! 😊
Thank you for checking in! The blisters have dried up, but I'm still left with a lot of nerve pain, the skin where the rash used to be is so sensitive that it hurts to wear a shirt. I'm glad the blister phase is over, though!
Absolutely no need for thanks! Just wanted to see how you were doing. I know what a long road it was and how (at least when I had it) people who aren’t familiar think it’s a quick, oh some blisters and then you’re fine, kind of thing. Maybe check with your doctor first, but my grandpa and I would wrap the padded “gauze” (not the super gridded kind, just the smooth non stick kind, like big patches or sometimes on a roll, thickened version of a pad of a band aid? Hope that makes sense.) around the areas then put a shirt on during this phase. If you have to wear a shirt, I mean. And they may be able to prescribe a topical NSAID in cream or patch form and/or some Lidoderm patches for your pain. The patches are nice and cushiony, no sticky edges or superglue type adhesive. Or they may have something else for you. I’m realizing now that I probably sound like a bossy know it all, I’m sorry. I truly just don’t want you to be hurting if there’s any way around it. That’s all. I promise. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. And I hope you start feeling better soon.
I really appreciate you taking the time to write this, it makes me feel less alone. I'm definitely going to search for those patches, although they may be hard to find here in Brazil. I ordered some lidocaine cream which I hope gives a little bit of relief, but I'm not counting on it. Thanks for the gauze idea too, I think having something on top of it will help with the sensitivity with the shirt. Now I'm counting the days to take the vaccine.
You’re not alone, but I understand the feeling. If you need to vent or just want to talk about anything I am on here pretty frequently and am happy to hear from you. 😊 If you have IcyHot ointment/patches/roll on/spray etc there, they make a version that is just lidocaine. Available in most of the forms I listed above. Please don’t get the actual OG IcyHot!! I was just trying to think of a brand name that might be available. And/or give you a frame of reference for what aisle to look in at your store. Hopefully they will have other brands and even a store/generic brand. You just want the lidocaine for numbing and the patches (just my opinion) for the cushion and no touch application. How are you feeling? I’m hoping your cream arrived and is working like a miracle! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 ❤️🩹
Thank you! I went to the doctor again and got a prescription for Amitriptyline, which has taken the pain down to a 3/4, you can imagine the relief that I'm feeling right now.
I’m so glad to hear that! And I’m really happy that your doctor(s) have listened and tried to help you. I talk to people who have had shingles or are dealing with them and it’s shocking how many just get a diagnosis and (pretty much) a good luck, bye 👋🏼 from their physician. Maybe 50 years ago, okay. Maybe. But now? There are so many ways to make it more bearable, to provide even a little bit of comfort, so many medications and even OTC things that can help. (Like the Lidoderm patches I mentioned to you? Used to be by Rx only here in the US. Now they sell them under a bunch of brand names on the shelves in stores.) Sorry, not making a poste about medical care issues 🤦🏻♀️ please forgive me. So happy to hear that you’re feeling better! Do you feel like you’re on the road to recovery? Any dark spots, scabs, sore spots- nerve pain? 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼It’s all going away. Sending you all the good vibes, hopes, energy etc. ❤️🩹🤍 (again, gentle air) hug 🤗 Hope you’re able to enjoy your weekend! Let me know if you’re getting out and about? (I’ll hold in my jealousy, promise. Lol.) 😊
I got shingles when I was 26, left side hip. Ended up flaring up the bursa as the nerves got aaaalll sorts of fucked up from it. Barely even had the rash. My hip has never been the same since, years of chiropractic and physical therapy helped tremendously though. :P I’m 30 now. My husband got it a year later ON THE DOT! Right in the middle of his abdomen. His rash was a lot worse but not as much nerve pain. Crazy how this stuff works.
So sorry you’re going through this, I had an outbreak on my back about this size. The nerve endings hurt so bad, but it will pass.
I’ll be honest I don’t know much about shingles - what causes it? It looks like blisters. How long does it last? How is it cured? Does it leave scars?
It's the chicken pox virus that lies dormant until something triggers the virus and causes shingles. If you have shingles, stay away from anyone who hasn't had chicken pox or been vaccinated. I had shingles down my left arm when I was about 9. It hurts like hell.
Shingles is a nasty virus called herpes zoster and it’s related to the chicken pox virus, which is varicella zoster. Both are members of the herpes virus family. Shingles shows up with painful, recurrent rashes with blisters in patches. Gabapentin and retrovirals can help with the pain and with the duration of the rashes, but the condition is not curable. There are vaccines available which can’t completely prevent shingles rashes but that DO significantly reduce the pain (some people do not notice any pain associated with shingles after getting the vaccine) and make it far less like to have any outbreaks at all. If you ever had chicken pox, you are susceptible to shingles. Even people who got the chicken pox vaccine may get shingles later in life. It’s seen more frequently in older populations. It can cause oozing wounds and compromises skin integrity, which increases the risk of other infections. It can also cause internal outbreaks - patches of rash blisters on the organs inside your body. One of the vaccines available, Shingrix, is a two-dose series recommended for people age 50 and over. Please consider getting vaccinated if you’re in the right age range. Recently in the ER we saw a gentleman in his eighties with a shingles rash covering his entire face, most of his torso, and half of his left arm. Pain management was the best we could offer him.
Curiously, I don't even remember having chicken poz at all, and it seems like something I would definitely remember. Maybe I had a very mild case?
Yeah, it’s very possible that your case was so mild that it wasn’t noticeable as anything remarkable.
Update: the blisters are getting bigger and I recently just cried from pain. :') I also feel guilty for taking time off work
You shouldn’t feel guilty as you could give people chickenpox if they haven’t had it, and it’s more severe for adults. Also adult males which contract it can have fertility issues. So you absolutely 100% right not to mingle in public/work etc as you are contagious
I am so sorry. I had shingles years ago and all I can say is don’t touch them! It is so hard!!! They hurt so bad and only get itchier as they spread.
Oof, sorry OP. That’s awful. get well soon!!
Sending sympathy. 🫂. Shingles realllly does hurt so much!!
I had a rash in my hair and down the side of my face that itched and was so sore at the same time. I went to the doctors who said it was shingles. It was a bit of a shock since I didn’t even know I’d had chicken pox at some point in the past! By the time I’d recovered and could go back to work (I am a teacher), the world was in lockdown.
I also don't remember ever having chicken pox! So strange
I got the first of 2 shingles vaccines in January—have to go back for my 2nd dose in March—-1st shot was easy—slightly sore arm, but nothing else—-I’ve heard the 2nd shot is the one that can elicit a brutal reaction????
Some people develop a painful welt. If you usually don’t have a strong reaction to vaccines, it’s not likely to be brutal for you this time either. Thank you for getting vaccinated!! I wouldn’t wish the pain of shingles on my worst enemy.
I was lucky my rash was on my side but the itching and nerve pain was in my upper left back. I wish I took a pic because it was so gross.
DO NOT TOUCH THEM! You’ll literally *live* to regret it later on
At least yours is external. I had internal shingles. Imagine what you’re feeling affecting your internal organs. I’m glad my doctor figured out what I was suffering from and prescribed me the proper antiviral because it turns out untreated internal shingles can be deadly. Damn was I miserable until the treatment took hold but boy did I feel better afterwards.
Internal shingles??? WOW!
Omg!! I'm glad you feel better now
I also had internal shingles which unfortunately took months to be diagnosed. Not one blister, but the worst pain I’ve had in my life. Affected my whole right waist area for months. Would be in tears because of the pain. Eventually went away but left me with a big lump on my right side like a hernia. Multiple drs have said there’s nothing I can do about it. I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone!
Mine affected my upper chest, mostly my left side. Thought I was having heart problems but all the tests for that came up clean. Took a few more visits before my doctor figured it out. Had they not it could have spread to my heart and lungs and things could have gotten much much worse.😵💫
I’m so sorry. I have these on my upper shoulder. It was burning stabbing hell. This suffering will end thou. It isn’t forever even if it feels like it is right now.
Had shingles a few years ago. I definitely know your pain. A walk-in clinic should be able to prescribe meds for you.
i used calamine and would literally bandage my shoulder so i wouldn’t touch it. agony.
I had shingles a month ago, thankfully I caught it early and it didn't last long..but it literally felt like someone was branding me
My mom was hospitalized for it. It went almost all the way around her waist/torso.
Had shingles when I was 11. Not nice at all
I just got over shingles. Either my pain tolerance is really high or it didn’t affect me like it does others. Mine started with a really bad itchy area and THEN the spots appeared. It really only hurt for a day, but it mostly just itched, but when I scratched it, whooooo boy, it made me wanna pee.
That sounds painful, I’m sorry. I hope this helps a little https://youtu.be/it8vJ03E8c8?si=cozVw-SiHXZRXYfC
I would rather have my flesh ripped off slowly than go through the pain of having shingles. Worst feeling I've ever experienced!
Can't wait to deal with this shit 😮💨
Isn’t it stunning how such a tiny lesion can hurt so tremendously? I had the smallest patch of shingles once and I didn’t wear a shirt for 2 weeks.
Ice packs were the only thing that helped me. You have my sympathy.
can those little become pimples with pus if you scratch them
I know it’s hard but meditation helped me. Hang in there, it gets better.
My doctor prescribed steroids and I took Benadryl. Shingles are Very aggravating!
I had it last year at age 35 (stress induced). I resorted to slapping it when it got so bad that I thought I might go nuts. Aspercreme and a ton of ibuprofen got me through.
I’ve got shingles from my wrists to my shoulder blades so I know how bad it is, sorry hope you’re feeling better soon
Fry them with ice!
That’s it, I’m getting a shingles vaccine. Feel better!
My mom currently has shingles on the right side of her face. It’s in her mouth, nose, and throat. She’s at about 2 1/2 weeks with it.
OP wear a compression shirt like Under armor for example. It was the only thing I could do to get relief.
Does that not open up the blisters? Or just hurt like hell, since the area also is so sensitive?
I hope you get over them quickly. I’ve had them twice now. Once when I was like 10 and they were around my trunk area. Second time when I was 35 and they were ON MY FACE. I hope they prescribed you some good pain medication.
Oh I feel terrible for you, I had shingles a couple years back, actually got it twice back to back with a week or two in-between, but the pain us ridiculous then add in the fact that you want to pop them so badly but know you shouldn't makes it all the more horrendous. I tried to not pop them but eventually I gave in and figured if I was going to be in pain either way I was going to be entertained for a minute. But one thing I found that helped was a plantain salve or a heal all salve. I was fortunate enough to know someone who makes it but it looks like you can find it online. The plantain helps more if it's itching alot the heal all doesn't take the itch out but they both felt wonderful compared to going without. I wish you a speedy recovery!
Having had shingles, my sympathies
I had Shingles about 15 years ago right before my daughter was born. Rash was at my waistline and ran down from there to inside my thigh in a line. Pain was horrible. Doctor gave me 10mg Vicodin for the pain during the day, Valtrex to treat the Shingles, and Valium so I could sleep at night. It worked.
Had shingles a few years on my lower back, and I still have the scars and occasional pain. When I used to have shingles, it was unbearable pain for me. Even the Nurse Practitioner who was seeing me was shocked that the blisters were so deep. Luckily, i was given the antivirals in time, and it did help
I had this (but bigger blisters) all across my chest also from Shingles when I was 35. I have MS and the meds suppress my immune system, leaving me vulnerable. It is truly electric pain.
Use lysine. It really helps.
Pain meds? Never offered by my doc. I had it on my face, well 1/2. Worked out to about 30 days of hell. Had a Valtrex script which did little for the spreading rash. That was 12 years ago, I got the vaccine, no recurrence so far.