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Do you think this is herpes?
I have a rash that appeared on the left side of my rib cage six days ago (about 4-5 inches under my nipple). It is maybe 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches and consists of raised, red skin and roughly 9 bumps. The area wasn't itchy nor warm before the rash appeared. When it did appear, it was itchy, red and had tiny bumps. As of three days ago, it no longer consistently itched but began to burn randomly or feel as though it itched so much that it hurt. By that time, the bumps had become much more pronounced. These bumps never looked puss filled nor filled with liquid. They eventually just turned to scabs without actually opening up and they never oozed. They never hurt to the touch either. Now, it still incredibly burns or inches to the point that I flinch and clench that side of my body. My guess is Shingles (I had Chicken Pox as a kid and this rash looks very similar to this). I'm not sexually active and never real was. When I did have sex, I always wore a condom. I have never had any rashes appear on my genitals, mouth or hands so I do not think it is Herpes Simplex, but I can't help but notice the similarities. I'm not as concerned about treatment as I am about diagnosis. I mostly just want an opinion on if it is Herpes Simplex or not.
I read that usually people experience flu-like symptoms just before and outbreak of herpes. I had a sore throat and a very minor cough just a couple days before this rash appeared. I believe that is coincidental since just about everyone I know has had a cold over the last few weeks with many of them having it while I did.
I'm also hopefully going in for a herpes test in 5 days. But until then, I thought I'd ask for other opinions to possibly help alleviate some anxiety.
The picture is from two days ago.
I read that usually people experience flu-like symptoms just before and outbreak of herpes. I had a sore throat and a very minor cough just a couple days before this rash appeared. I believe that is coincidental since just about everyone I know has had a cold over the last few weeks with many of them having it while I did.
I'm also hopefully going in for a herpes test in 5 days. But until then, I thought I'd ask for other opinions to possibly help alleviate some anxiety.
The picture is from two days ago.
Best Answer
I went to a second doctor yesterday and he confirmed it was in fact Shingles. It didn't make much sense for me to have Herpes Gladiatorum anyway.
I did not receive a Herpes test, because the doctor visually diagnosed it as Herpes Gladiatorum.
Thanks for your response! I'm getting a Herpes test today. If I am tested negative, then in my opinion, it is most likely Shingles. I'll keep you updated either way!
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It looks like shingles. Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus. The first sign is usually a tingling feeling, itchiness, or stabbing pain on the skin. After a few days, a rash appears as a band or patch of raised dots on the side of the trunk or face. The rash develops into small, fluid-filled blisters which begin to dry out and crust over within several days. When the rash is at its peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to extreme and intense pain.
Treatment of shingles includes antiviral drugs, steroids, analgesics and anti viral eye drops.
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.