I have never had shingles but my dad did a few years ago.That doesn't look like what he had but I don't know that much about it.maybe this will help.

Here is a link that might be useful: shingles rash

Keeping my fingers crossed it is NOT!

Yes, it does look like shingles - it's a virus that you can't get rid of - only control the symptoms - very painful as I understand it from my late FIL.

Well it doesn't look like the rash I had, but it does look like some of the ones on the link that lilliepad provided.

Shingles is very painful, sort of a burning itch. So if he doesn't feel anything, then probably it's not shingles.

Could it be a reaction from some of his medicines? I think you need to call his doctor.
Hope it's something trivial

Looks like what my DSIL had and she had shingles. Sorry...get him to the dr. and see what he says.

I had a very light case of shingles a few years ago. Has he been having a lot of pain going along a nerve "trail" leading to this area? I had excruciating pain for a week before I found the "rash" area, thought I had surely pulled something in my side. My "rash" was in a single patch and not spread out like that is on him. I sure hope it's not the shingles, I was very lucky in having only a very mild case.

He has a regular Drs. appt. Thurs. I tried to talk him into going maybe tomorrow..but he said he'd just wait! (MEN!!!!)

I don't think it's a reaction to meds..his meds have been the same for months. As for pain..he's had pain in that area since his surgery, so I don't know if it'd feel any different than what he's already having.

CB,
If it is shingles, it's important to get treatment for it ASAP.

According to the link from lilliepad,

"What Are the Treatments for Shingles?
Antiviral medicines for Shingles can help speed up healing and reduce pain, but if possible treatment should begin within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional immediately if you think you may have Shingles so that treatment may begin as soon as possible."

I hope you can convince him to at least call the doc.

Good luck

Nope, doesn't look like what DH had..keep your finders crossed! Kathy

My DH had it in his eye and on his forehead; he had massive amount of tingling and pain before the rash and other 'things' appeared.

Sending positive thoughts that maybe it was a small insect bite. I've had spider bits that looked like a trail.

I have to second what lynn just said; I know it's a pain, but it's important to start the antiviral med asap, if it is shingles. I did, and it made all the difference in the world as to duration and severity. If you wait too long, the a.v. medicataion won't do anything. Good luck!

Shingles are usually on one side of the body only, not on both.

It looks like something I used to get from time to time. It didn't hurt unless you ran a fingernail or something hard across it, then it kind of stung. I was told it was cellulitis.

Jodi-

I'm just recovering from Shingles....had discomfort and some pain in the area before the tiny blisters...went to the doctors the day blisters showed up, started the anti viril right away. It did reduce the number of blisters but the areas affected were painful, everything is dried up but I now itch, they were under my arm, back of arm and some large blisters on my shoulder blade. Feel the medication (VALTREX) helped greatly, BUT it's EXPENSIVE!!! 21 pills taken 3 times a day cost with out insurance $275.49, thank goodness I could afford it.

Very glad I didn't get them around my waist since I'm a plus size, that would have been very painful.

Sue

Our friend just came down with shingles recently and I can confirm that the doctor told him it was so lucky he caught it early and came in for treatment. It's true about lessening the pain and speeding up the recovery. IF it is shingles that is. I hope you can talk him into going before Thursday Bump, just in case.

It doesn't look like the shingles I had. It looks more to me like he is having an allergic reaction to medication. I would have it checked out really soon. Cellulitis is a very good possibility. If it is cellulitis it should be hot to the touch and very painful. Good luck. I wouldn't wait another day to have it seen about.

Sorry, looks like shingles to me too. My DH had them twice, in different places. But even if it is medication allergic reaction, don't waste any time getting it looked at. Has he tried any new meds very recently?
But in my experience, symptoms can be different for any and everybody until the rash fills w/ fluid especially. And it really does make a big difference in "flare-up" time with or with out medication response.
I didn't read the link provided, but I firmly believe my hubby's cause was stress-related and consequently immosuppression. Please get in asap.
Good luck!
Jan

Thanks everyone! He's taking the same medications he's been taking for the past 6-8mos., so I don't think it's a reaction to any of his meds. He had shingles years ago, when he was a kid...doesn't really remember much about them, but he still has a scar about the size of my palm, on his left side. These places are on his right side. I know his immune system is probably still shot from the Chemo he had back in Sept-Nov.!

Add me to the It Looks Like Shingles to Me list.
Get him to a Dr. asap. just to be on the safe side. They can start him on meds. to minimize the time frame. The pain can be HORRIFIC especially if untreated & can cause lasting pain/nerve damage & potentially serious complications especially if the eyes are involved.
Shingles are very common in immune suppressed people.
Also, I *think* they might be contaigious to those who've never had chicken pox.

Just want to mention that my antiviral medication was a generic, which worked just fine. So, there should be options.

Hi CB,

Tell him to get off of his long-suffering, stubborn ass and get down to see the M.D.!!

Or he might end up being longer suffering than suits him!

ole joyful

I have had shingles many times, first case when I was 20. This looks similar, but mine have always been clumped together. I have had them in various places.... but always in clumps right up next to each other.

It could be, but I have never seen them like this.

Is it Thursday yet? :-)

Sounds like you got lots of "yes" and "no" votes here. I'm sure you're anxious for the appointment, Brenda. I hope waiting doesn't worsen IT, whatever IT is. Prayers for you and DH as always...

Update?
I hope "IT" is better and not serious.

Anxious to hear how your DH is doing....Did he go to the doctors???

Those of you who haven't gotten vaccinated yet will want to get your shingles vaccine ASAP. I got mine last year. I remember how much pain and discomfort my mom had with shingles.

Here is a wonderful site full of information about this virus - well worth knowing.

Here is a link that might be useful: USA Centers for Disease Control

Yes..he went to the Dr. yesterday. Dr. didn't seem too concerned about it..but gave him a prescription for some cream. We've only used it twice, so don't know how much it's going to help. He also put him on an antibiotic, because of coughing and because of the crud he's been coughing up, it's pretty obvious he's got some infection!

Thanks for asking!