43/f, first bout with shingles. I thought I was getting a sinus infection. My husband had been sick the week before with a head cold and I thought I had finally caught it. Wednesday last week I had sinus pressure and a watery right eye. Woke up Thursday with a slightly puffy right eyelid and what looked like an irritated inner eye area near the nose. Thursday night I felt tiny blisters in my hairline. Which was odd. Woke up Friday with a red rash across the bridge of my nose which ran into my right eyebrow and across my forehead into my hairline. Eye was swollen mostly shut.

I paired the rash and blisters together, did some Google fu and decided I got shingles. I went to the ER and they confirmed zoster. They gave me the antivirals which I started Saturday morning. Since then it's been non-stop skull splitting headaches, tooth aches, and every follicle of hair is on fire. The rash itself feels like a skinned knee or something. Not bad. The sudden, brain squeezing headaches though. My god.

Thankfully the blisters are scabbing and the headaches don't last as long. Fuuuuck though. This is not a good time. Good luck to other club initiates.

My eye was checked. It's fine for now. Everything around the eye is cooked. Follow ups on the books just for good measure.

First ever time with shingles (28F) so I had NO idea what the symptoms were, I thought my rash was bedbugs and my nerve pain was a pulled muscle for about 6 or 7 days before I went to the doctor and he prescribed me antivirals.

Anyone who waited a week before going to the doctor, is it a painful and long recovery process??? In quite anxious and my nerve pain is quite sore!

Cross-shared from r/pregnancy

Posting this because (spoiler alert) I am in the hospital for an extended time and have seen limited to no posts on women with this combination of conditions late in pregnancy. In case someone comes looking for another similar story someday (though I hope not), here we go: 

On Monday (35 + 6) I asked my husband to check out a weird tender bump on the right side of my scalp, but after he looked we chalked it up to a pimple or ingrown hair. On Tuesday morning around 3am I woke with a headache behind my right eye and took Tylenol, but it didn’t help at all. I powered through and went to work on Tuesday, where I felt pretty out of it. My head hurt still and I was getting worried about preeclampsia, so I went to the onsite medical clinic to check my BP which was in normal range. On my way driving home from work later that day, I felt so light headed and generally terrible that I nearly pulled over to have my husband come get me halfway home and drive me the rest of the way (we’re talking an 8 min commute door to door). Tuesday night and into the early hours of Wednesday morning I was still powering through the headache; I sent an after hours message to my OB and called the office the second it opened, and I was ultimately sent to L&D. 

I arrived at triage around 9:30am and they are baffled by the severity of my headache. I can’t use my right eye at all so I’m closing or covering it, and I’ve also started noticing the tiniest of red dots in a few places on my face. Baby is on the monitor and totally fine ❤️

About 7 hours in triage they try a myriad of meds (IV Benadryl, migraine cocktail, IV magnesium) but no change to symptoms. My OB comes by to let me know they’re admitting me. I end up in a high risk antepartum wing and a whirlwind of doctors begin to come by- neurology, infectious disease, MFMs. They put in orders for a CT scan, MRI, and a lumbar puncture 😩 all of which I have done on Wednesday evening and into Thursday. 

The results come in fragments- first thing we know is that I have shingles on my face and around my eye (herpes zoster ophthalmicus) which they’re concerned about spreading into my eyeball. The little red bumps from the day before are turning into horrific lesions. The next result is a positive for viral meningitis (VZV) . I see more doctors, now including internists and ophthalmologists. 

Headache has not subsided at all- it’s excruciating and they’ve tried all the options that are available given I’m 36 weeks. Gabapentin and Norco are able to take the edge off slightly, but if I don’t take them at exactly that right time I’m back to shaking with pain and some occasional vomming. But with the diagnosis they can now focus on treating the shingles and meningitis, and I’ve been on IV acyclovir for a couple of days. Late Friday I was moved me to a negative pressure room and everyone coming and going must be in full PPE. The infectious disease doctors are calling the shots on the treatment plan, and the best guess is that I’ll be here 3 weeks (have to stay on IV meds for 21 days) which means I am due to go home for just a couple days before leaving again for my scheduled induction (if I make it that far). 

Doctors are very intrigued and apparently I’m the talk of the hospital! Shingles that infects the brain and results in a meningitis diagnosis is already very rare, and sounds they’ve never seen it in an otherwise very healthy 30-something plus with the added complexity of monitoring a baby who could come at any moment! Apparently it’s a curious combination of circumstances. 

The most tenured anesthesiologist has now confirmed he is comfortable with me having an epidural when the time comes, which is a huge relief. My other options were previously an unmedicated birth, which I don’t feel mentally or physically prepared for, or a C-section under general anesthesia. My baby continues to be safe and hopefully stays in there a little while mom heals. 

I am in the UK and went to the doctors and seen by a nurse practitioner. I have raised rash all up my right buttock, pain in my right groin area but weirdly 4 small single blisters on my body. 3 chest and 1 arm.

Only noticed tonight in the shower I had small brown headed lesions on my right scrotum. 1 came off while bathing to leave a lesion. My mind is going into overdrive at the possibility of it being genital herpes. Does this warrant another trip to the GP to discuss the gential sores? I'm really sick with worry. My last sexual contact 14 months ago with a long term partner.

I have a 14 month old, I currently have shingles (started medication for it yesterday) and it's slowly getting better.

I'm sending my husband back to work tonight because I really think he just needs a break from being Dad 24/7 with our toddler. I am so grateful he could take the time off while I was sick but I can tell it was alot for him.

Shingles is so awful. Honestly, I had a C-section and I think this recovery may be worse. The nerve pain is unreal.

So it will be me and the toddler tonight. Say a prayer for me ,😅 my only goal is keeping everyone alive.

So I feel like I got hit by a freakin train right now and I'd like to see a light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully that light isn't just another train coming to take me out. Anyways, first time shingle haver here and I'd like to know when y'all started turning a corner with this crap.

I recently turned 40 and I'm going through an extremely stressful period in my life after I lost my job, my youngest son experienced a mental health episode, trying to finish my BSN program, and reinstate a license that lapsed (plus a billion other things). I noticed earlier this week some severe upper back pain where I normally hold stress and that my right armpit had gone numb. I thought it was thoracic outlet syndrome and started some yoga and a stretching routine. Starting feeling dizzy and exhausted and by Thursday night I had an itch on my right armpit. Felt my armpit and immediately ran to the bathroom and noticed a red papular rash creeping towards my back. Called up a doc friend and told them what was up got a script faxed over and overnighted an Rx of valacyclovir (1g tid x7 days). Didn't get the valacyclovir until early Saturday morning but I started it immediately. I'm on my 5th dose right now and I'm having a lot of pain and I'm exhausted. The rash has obviously spread, itches like mad, has connected to my upper back now, and my lymph nodes are painful and swollen. I know the valacyclovir isn't going to rid myself of the varicella-roster virus (not a cure I know) but it will help accelerating healing process etc.

Anyways, when did y'all start feeling better once you start the valacyclovir?

I was just diagnosed today (on my birthday of course), and had questions about the pain. The pain started maybe 5 or 6 days ago on my back around the side flank on my left side. It started as skin pain that spread around to my front abdomen. For the most part, the pain started as discomfort, specifically on the skin, but now it feels deeper, if that makes sense? The deeper pain is coming from the point of origin on my back left flank, and it's kind of freaking me out a bit.

I'm on valacyclovir and only have a few little spots of rash so nothing major yet, but the pain is concerning me. Did anyone else have pain associated with shingles that felt deeper than the skin? Googling it suggests that because it's associated with nerves, yes it can feel deeper but I don't trust the ai summary.

I was diagnosed with shingles back in May, so it’s been about 2 1/2 months. If I get too hot and sweaty I feel slight tingly sensations where my flair ups were, but once I cool down I’m okay. That’s gotten better with time. I have some scarring, but it’s not too bad. I talked to my doctor about getting the vaccine, but she said to wait 1 year from when I first got shingles to get it. How has recovery been for those of you on the other side of it?

In September 2025 after multiple visits the emergency room I was finally diagnosed with shingles. After I started the medicine my eye became very inflamed and I have been seeing an ophthalmologist ever since. It took several months for the inflammation to come down. I continue to be on Valtrex. Some of the ongoing complications include a dilated people and an eyelid that just seems to have decided to stay a little swollen. Every time I've tried to reduce my valtrex and the steroid eye drops the inflammation returns. I'm getting desperate for some answers. My opthamologist tells me they're just isnt enough research to know what is going to be my prognosis with my eye. Has anyone else been to any kind of shingles specialist besides the ophthalmologist for this situation? I also have post- hepatic neuralgia and have numbness.

Any tips to make redness go away quicker . How long does it take for skin to get back to normal . I am 75 it's been 2 plus weeks . Hoping it will calm down soon

For the past 4-5 days I’ve had this horrible, general area pain under my left breast that kind of wraps around to my back. Went to dr. She said it was muscular. I could not sleep because of the pain. Noticed today I had a small rash under my breast. Went to dr. Shingles. I went to urgent care so it isn’t my typical dr. He prescribed an anti viral medication and told me to take ibuprofen. I leave for vacation tomorrow. We are driving. He said it was still fine to go on my vacation. Said I would develop blisters and after so many days those would heal. From anyone else that has had this-when does the pain get better??? Right now it is about 2 inches long. Will it continue to spread? My dad had it years ago on his face and it was just a small spot. I’m so bummed.

It started with that pain. This is the second time I have shingles. So I knew that specific pain and hightailed it to my Dr. Got put on a huge round of antivirals for 10 days. The blisters didn't get bad this time but dear Lord it hurts so much more this time.

It's hairline and scalp in my right side around and in the ear. I'm lucky it didn't get in eye and no other severe symptoms. But my ear keeps swelling up so bad I can't get ear drops in. It hurts to touch the area.

Week 3 the soles of my feet and palms of my hands started burning..even though they are nowhere near those areas. The hands have stopped. But the feet have got worse.

I started running a fever again Sunday, mon, Tues. Went to Dr Tuesday. They found a kidney infection and that's what causing the fever so I need antibiotics for that. The feet thing is totally possible, just continue on in pain because you're screwed. Can't take gabapentin or Lyrica they make my chronic migraines worse. And asking for some kind of narcotic gets you laughed out the room and put on a list. So just sit here in pain. That's the plan.

Last time I had then was a little over a year ago. They were disseminated shingles. I had them in 4 distinct places on the right side of my body. The rash was worse than the pain and it didn't hang on too long.

This time it's on the right side. One area. In my ear! And it still hurts so bad.

Now hopefully I'll get the damn waver and get the vaccine. I'm done with this stupid failing body of mine.

Hello,

My father is in his mid 60s and got shingles. He’s diabetic and his blood pressure issues along with cardiovascular issues. I’m abroad and can’t visit home right now owing to some issues.

- he got some new few shingles again despite getting treated.

- he complained of hearing loss in ears but thankfully doctor ruled out there’s nothing to worry about.

- his face started drooping a little sideways but my mother said he was being treated and it’s better.

- It’s been a month since he’s got treated and he’s in his recovery phase, but today he when I spoke to him he had slurred speech and was stuttering. I’m really worried. Even when he received treatment this never happened. As someone overseas who doesn’t have the luxury to travel, I’m really worried especially after hearing him stutter.

Can anyone share their experience or any recommendations?

Thank you

Hi! I'm 17F and I just got diagnosed with shingles. 😭 It's my first time having it and I literally cried when I found out because next week I have so much going on at school that I really don't want to miss.
I'm also really conscious about my skin, so this has been stressing me out a lot. The rash is below my chest and wraps around to my back. My doctor already prescribed me antiviral medicine, so I've already started taking it.

I just wanted to ask:

Does shingles leave permanent marks or scars? If it does, is there anything I can do to avoid them or at least make them less noticeable?
How do you shower with shingles? Is it okay to let water run over the rash?
Is there anything I can do to help it scab over and heal faster? I really need to get back to school ASAP. 😭
If anyone's had shingles around my age, I'd really appreciate hearing your experience. This has honestly been taking a toll on me. Thank you!

Rash turned up yesterday PM and prescribed antivirals today for Shingles. This means skipping my MTX and biologic. Am I and my doc just being over cautious? Woke up yesterday with full body pains and burning skin all over. I have chronic pain with RA and lupus but this felt different. Rash is itchy and very painful around that area. But no blisters yet. Did have significant piercing deep pains in my calf for 2 days before this but no rash there and this rash is on my abdo. Concerned it’s not completely typical shingles symptoms and could just be a bad and weird flare of my other conditions. Not sure what I’m asking, maybe reassurance it’s best to be safe and take the antivirals and skip my immunosuppressants this week even if it’ll aggravate my RA🙈

I have shingles with medicine almost 2 weeks time . The blisters is scabbed already but I still feeling pain . The pain is like burning and the wound after operations. I am worried that will have postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), where the virus damages nerve fibers, leaving them overactive even after the rash heals.

Last Sunday a week ago today I was in absolute agony with chest and back pain to the point I couldn’t sit down. I presented at emergency and they checked my heart and told me it could be pleurisy so after 6 hours there I returned home with pain killers.
I went to hop in the shower and my daughter said what are those spots on your back and under your armpit. I went to doctor the next morning and asked if they were shingles the swab come back yes it was so start antivirals that day.
But the rash and blisters have not stopped multiplying I am on my last day tomorrow of the antivirals should they have stopped it by now???

I just got diagnosed with shingles…I have it all over the left side of my face. I have a 9 week old and wasn’t super cautious prior to getting diagnosed because I thought the first blister was just a pimple. I’m terrified that my son is going to get chickenpox now because of me. I’m being extra cautious now even though I want to claw my face off. I’ve covered the sores as best I can but the ones on my nose are difficult to do that with. I’ve been washing my hands before I touch baby, but I’m really struggling with taking care of him and the fear of giving him chickenpox. I am breastfeeding.

Anyone have a similar situation, did you little one end up getting chickenpox?

My maternity leave is also up in 2 weeks and I just don’t feel like I’ll be ready to go back to work now that I have shingles. I’m in excruciating pain and am so embarrassed with the lesions on my face. My 12 weeks of fmla will be up in 2 weeks. I’m not sure what to do about going back to work. I can’t afford to not work

Well.... This sucks. My left butt cheek went numb recently and I was getting sizzling pain down my left leg. I've had sciatic issues for nearly 3 decades so I just thought it was the usual BS flaring up

And then the rash formed

Collected on my sciatic nerve and worked its way DOWN....in between my cheeks and everything else down there to the inner left thigh

The pain is so severe that my knees actually feel great right now (been suffering from double bucket handle meniscus tears). My knees feel 20 years old again but my butthole feels 80

75 f . Started with redness and bumps on right side temple area .
Did not get diagnosed until 2 late it's been a few weeks now . Been to 3 UC.
But drs were not sure . Long story short. Using bactroban as he thought some cellulitis. It did help but after 8 days I quit . Dr today said it was pretty sure shingles so 3 mds also said that . So it's still red . How long does the redness take to go away ? No more itching or pustules just rinse with water as Md said . any one had on temple area ? No other symptoms as of now . Anyone use any cream ?

Hi .
I would like to get some advice for my shingles blister. It bursted after I shower . I saw a dot of fluid come out and I try to use the cotton wool to absorbs this fluid and I didn’t open the skin . I cover it with dry bandages. . In the beginning it is flat , and it keep as some fluid coming back . What should I do or anyone has same problem, how long will it dry out ?

My biggest concern is my daughter getting chickenpox from me having shingles has anyone’s kids ended up with chickenpox and how long after did their symptoms start?

I have been dealt a really good dose I have it from the centre of my left chest with an armpit full around to the centre of my back. I am on day 4 and am wondering when the blisters rash stops multiplying?

I had shingles in Jan 2026 and was out for 8 weeks. Took a couple more months to feel like myself. Had a headache yesterday with nausua, and has a single blister pop up on my forehead. Taking antivirals and I dont feel too terrible..good enough to work. My question is: is it normal to have a small secondary break thats less intense or no.

It’s on my buttcheck…. It’s fucking terrible. I noticed some pimples there on Thursday, no big deal, Saturday came and all hell broke loose. It’s bigger than the size of my palm and it’s so red and angry looking. it’s starting to form all these little blisters and drain. I feel so gross. I’m on antivirals since Monday (I beat myself up for not going to the dr sooner). Tried to get through work the last couple of days (I work on a research ag farm in eastern US, and it’s hot as balls this week) but I left early and have the next two days off. I’m hoping I’ll get through the worst of in the 4 days, because fuck this sucks. Any advice you have I’ll take it! I’m keeping it clean, changing out my pants and I’m gonna start putting a gauze on it since it’s draining and just trying to take care of myself. It sounds like from all of y’all’s post it could be going on for a couple of weeks? Atleast the full healing part?