Shingles

[Josh95]

I have been diagnosed with shingles. I noticed a rash on Thursday, however because it wasn’t hurting at all I didn’t think much of it which was very silly of me! I went to the doctor on yesterday as it was spreading and i was told it was shingles. I’m surprised that after now 6 days the rash is there however there is still no pain and the blisters still haven’t developed. My question is that I have received an anti viral medication from the doctor but because I told the doctor after the 72 hour window has passed, he told me it was up to me whether I should take it. Will it still be effective to start taking now, even though the pain hasn’t begun yet? Or shall I wait until the pain starts or just not take it at all as it will not be effective? Thank you!

[etheral]

If you wait until the pain starts the anti viral medication, hopefully Valcyclover 1 gm 3x daily for 2 weeks, definitely will not help. If you take it now, even though you miss.ed the supposed 72 hr window, it will probably prevent severe blistering and pain. No real downside to taking it. Postherpetic Neuralgia is something that you don't want to have to deal with...

[cyberbarn]

I agree with etheral, take it, the side effect if you don't have shingles will be massively outweighed the benefits if you do.

If the rash doesn't progress as it should for shingles, it is possible that it isn't. Just yesterday I showed my rash to my GP and he tentatively said shingles, but then we ruled that out because this rash doesn't hurt, and has been coming and going for two years. We have settled on folliculitis, and if the cream they prescribed works then we will have a diagnoses confirmed by treatment.