Is this the start of shingles?

I had shingles once before about two years ago. I woke up with this rash on my back right lower torso this morning. [picture this morning](http://i.imgur.com/FAU1Etf.jpg) and [picture from a minute ago](http://i.imgur.com/d330w0B.jpg). It's stinging/burning some, but not constant and not unbearable. I've been taking ibuprofen. Also, I'm a 29yo woman. I would've gone on to the doctor today, but I'm currently snowed in and I'm not sure when I'll be able to get out and about again. Thanks!

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likeoh23

8 Answers

helpful_grey

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It's hard to say, but it doesn't seem likely to be shingles. It looks like something did irritate it though. Keep an eye on it and go to your primary doctor if it does get worse or develops some yellow fluid-y pockets. I'm sure you know already, but there isn't much to do for it other than some antivirals and pain medication if it is shingles.

Also, why do you have shingles so young? It's fairly unusual if you're not immunocompromised in some way.

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likeoh23

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I had shingles near the same area before, maybe slightly higher up. It is painful, just not unbearable...more of a tingly pricking sensation at the moment.

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likeoh23

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Thanks for the replies. I'll keep an eye on it, and I've got to visit my gp for something else soon anyway.

As for why I had them, I guess from stress? I'm not immunocompromised in anyway at least. When I had it two years ago (diagnosed by my doctor), my mom had just been diagnosed with 3c ovarian cancer, and she recently lost her battle with it so I'm dealing with that ATM too.

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helpful_grey

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Sorry to hear. Yes, stress can do it.

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Zep_dEe

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It looks like shingles to me !

some advice on [shingles](http://mueller_ranges.tripod.com/links/compendium/viruses_anti.html#shingles)

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interplanetjanet

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Were you wearing any clothing with metal in this spot? Many people can't tolerate the nickel in some metals/cheap jewelry and react to them. I used to get irritations like this on my lower torso that we're caused by the rivets on my jeans.

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helpful_grey

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Where did you have shingles before? Was it along the same line? I personally don't think it's vesicular enough for it to be shingles. Also, you would have had quite a bit more pain / prodrome of viral symptoms.

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likeoh23

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No, I didn't have any metal in contact with it. I don't know what the heck this could be.

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