Could this be shingles? Have had rash/sores on back for 2 years now!

[vicbit]

Hi -  I'm a 48 yr. old woman.  I've had a blister like rash on my back for 2+ years now!  It occurs only on my back in clusters of 2-4 itchy bumps (like mosquito bites) that errupt and crust into sores.  The bumps break out in patches all along my spine except on my neck, scalp or anywhere else on my body.  It started between my shoulder blades just over 2 years ago.  Each group of sore takes a long time to heal.  Some areas will be healing while others are breaking out. The length of my spine is not is not covered with sores simultaneously... for instance at one time I'll have both a patch on my lower back and another between my shoulder blades.  Dermotologist and Allergists could not tell what it was although they did think it might be stress related.  I've tried prescription and over the counter topicals to no avail.  No one has tested me for shingles!  I do not recall having chicken pox but all of my siblings had it at the same time when we were very young. I don't excercise any more because sweat irritates it.  I've had significant weight gain over the past 2 years.  This thing is messing up my life! Please Advise.  Thanks

[sadness413]

a dermatologist he would have known if it was shingles.go and see a specialist

[Missy6168]

Hi there,

If you have had chicken pox this could be shingels, my mother used to break out with them all the time so I know a little about them. Is it painful when they are about to breakout? Do they follow a nerve?
I don't think that there is a test that can determine if they are shingles.
If you can ask your siblings or parents if you did have chickenpoxs that will help.