pain, numbness and an oval rash

6 weeks ago it all started with a muscle pain, on the left side of my back. After 3 days a cute pain occurred, first at the end of one of my ribs, later all aver my abdomen. Even strong pain killers didn't help. More than a week ago I noticed a fist size, oval rash at the place where the first symptoms occurred. It isn't itchy but numb. In the morning I feel tiring,  back pain, it goes away when I move but an abdominal numbness occurs. I took medicine for shingles and it helped a bit but the rash doesn't seem to be typical for shingles. It is smooth and disappears for a moment when I rub it. What that can be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It does not look like shingles because by now the painful cluster of bumps would have appeared. I would suggest you to get it evaluated from a dermatologist and get a biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[unjay]

I have just been diagnosed with giardia. The rash has become bigger but seems fading. Another, smaller spot of simillar rash have also apeared. The pain is much weeker now. Could those be giardia symptoms?