As a physician, I started my wife on Valtrex as soon as possible after diagnosis. The dozen lesions she had made the situation unclear at first. Pain was the main complaint, but weakness, intermittent low grade fever, nausea and occasional vomiting were also present and have persisted for 3 weeks so far (the rash is now crusted or fading). We tried a number of topical ointments plus oral narcotics for the intense pain on her lower right abdomen. She seemed to get the most relief from a topical anesthetic cream. We used over the counter "Nupercaine". There is some risk in developing skin sensitivity to the anesthetic so most MDs don't suggest this. My wife would tell you that it is worth any risk.

Hello I too have experienced shingles. I went to the ER last week and they couldn't find out what was wrong. I had severe pain under my left breast and around to my middle back they gave me a shot and some inflammatory pills but didn't help went to the doctor two days later just to find out I had shingles. The pain is terrible and I don't wish this on anyone. This is my 7th day and I only wish it was over.

I just broke out with the blisters and rash less than a week ago. So far I am affected on the right side of my face, along the jaw and neck and also around my right ear. So far my treatment, Valtrex and antibiotics, don't seem to be helping much. The rash and blisters are continuing to spread. Calamine lotion helps some with the itching.

In early December I had these piercing pains, like lightning bolts in my left ear. Thought I could tough it out but eventually went to the clinic, convinced I had just an ear infection until a couple days later a rash appeared on my face, on the left side only. I also had several ulcers appear in my mouth and the tongue swelled enough I had to puree my food. Went back to the clinic and they gave me acyclovir five times a day.

When the rash first began, I used Desitin ointment (for diaper rash!) and it was a real lifesaver. Even though I had it on my back, side and front, the only area I had a problem with the blisters filling with liquid and not drying up quickly was where my breast touched my torso (air couldn't get to that area as well as the open areas). I highly recommend Desitin at the first signs of the rash.

I am a 50-year-old female who had chickenpox at five. After a vacation day of hard walking in the rain (about 11 miles), I felt a burning across the midsection of my back on the right side, and within hours presented with the signature rash. I was heading for home by plane that day, so I didn't see a doctor until about 40 hours after the rash appeared. I was put on antiviral medications immediately, and so far the rash has neither spread nor worsened where it is. I think mine must be a mild case, but the burning/itching sensation is uncomfortable to very uncomfortable at times. I have found that soaking in a bath of Epsom salts seems to totally take the pain away while in the bath and for an hour or so afterward.

I had shingles about 6 years ago, so I knew the beginning symptoms. When the tingling started a few days ago, I began to drink several cups of white tea each day. (Along with green and black tea, a great antioxidant). I have also been taking zinc supplements, which are critical for the immune system, and all of this seems to have prevented the rash, so far! The tingling and the skin sensitivity have disappeared, so now I am waiting to see if any rash breaks out.

It has been over a year since I was "attacked" by shingles. One side of my face, scalp, neck and throat were affected. I was sitting at my PC, just as now, when I suddenly felt hot. My air-conditioner was humming away. The room was cool. I became hotter. I went to the bathroom, thinking that a splash of cool water would be especially refreshing. In my haste to relieve this discomfort didn't bother to turn-on the light. I cupped water in my hands, put the liquid to my face, upon attempting a refill, I noticed flesh and a "gooey" substance in my hands. On with the lights! Half of my face looked similar to the moon! There's much more to relate, but; I wonder if people my age (60) realize how terrible this ailment can be?! Get the shot!