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Are Itching, Burning And Stinging Sensation Indicative Of Shingles Infection?
Question: I am having symptoms of shingles ie; itching, burning, stinging sensations that move to stabbing pain. Left side under upper arm, back and front rib cage and left breast including my nipple. I do not have a rash. Called my doctor will not see me to diagnose due to lack of rash. Is this shingles or something else?
Brief Answer:
Probably shingles. to rule out other neurological causes and watch for rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome to HCM
I am Dr Dinah and will be answering your query for you.
Firstly I would like some clarifications:
-Since the symptoms sound like shingles, I wanted to confirm if there are absolutely no signs of a rash or redness, or any tiny blisters along this area.
-Have you had chicken pox in the past? Or previous history of shingles?
-were you exposed to someone with chicken pox?
- Did you undergo any recent illness,low immunity, medications, surgery or stress on the body?
Very rarely shingles can occur without a rash, but since this is difficult to diagnose without a rash you may have to wait a day or two to see if skin symptoms develop and consult a dermatologist.
They may also suggest a blood test to detect the virus infection.
Shingles usually heals on its own in 7-15 days, but your doctor can prescribe you antivirals to help speed up healing, once diagnosis is confirmed.
They will also give you pain killers and Vitamins as required for the burning and painful sensation along the nerve which may persist even after infection clears.
They can also rule out other causes of pain, burning,tingling,etc, which maybe neurological and unrelated to shingles.
You may apply a soothing or menthol lotion over the area for now.
I hope this advice helps you.
If you do develop a rash, do feel free to send/upload me a picture of it if you wish.
Also feel free to get back to me regarding any doubts you may have.
Regards
Probably shingles. to rule out other neurological causes and watch for rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome to HCM
I am Dr Dinah and will be answering your query for you.
Firstly I would like some clarifications:
-Since the symptoms sound like shingles, I wanted to confirm if there are absolutely no signs of a rash or redness, or any tiny blisters along this area.
-Have you had chicken pox in the past? Or previous history of shingles?
-were you exposed to someone with chicken pox?
- Did you undergo any recent illness,low immunity, medications, surgery or stress on the body?
Very rarely shingles can occur without a rash, but since this is difficult to diagnose without a rash you may have to wait a day or two to see if skin symptoms develop and consult a dermatologist.
They may also suggest a blood test to detect the virus infection.
Shingles usually heals on its own in 7-15 days, but your doctor can prescribe you antivirals to help speed up healing, once diagnosis is confirmed.
They will also give you pain killers and Vitamins as required for the burning and painful sensation along the nerve which may persist even after infection clears.
They can also rule out other causes of pain, burning,tingling,etc, which maybe neurological and unrelated to shingles.
You may apply a soothing or menthol lotion over the area for now.
I hope this advice helps you.
If you do develop a rash, do feel free to send/upload me a picture of it if you wish.
Also feel free to get back to me regarding any doubts you may have.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
To clarify: There is absolutely no rash or redness in any of the areas of pain. I have had symptoms for approximately 4 days.
I have never been diagnosed with shingles but had chicken pox as a child and remember that I had a pretty severe case.
I have not had any recent surgeries or treatments that may affect my immune system.
So - it sounds like you are saying if I can "handle" the neurological pain than it will not be detrimental to not seek any treatment.
I have never been diagnosed with shingles but had chicken pox as a child and remember that I had a pretty severe case.
I have not had any recent surgeries or treatments that may affect my immune system.
So - it sounds like you are saying if I can "handle" the neurological pain than it will not be detrimental to not seek any treatment.
Brief Answer:
Visit dermatologist to diagnose with IgM blood test for further treatment
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thank you for getting back to me.
If the pain is persistent, it will certainly be better for you to consult your doctor even if you still have no skin symptoms. They will give you specific medication as I doubt Ibuprofen will help much. This will help with the pain even if it is due to shingles or something like nerve compression or sprain etc.
As I've mentioned, shingles without rash and blisters is quite rare, but it is a possibility.
My advice would be:
- consult a dermatologist and mention your exact symptoms and possible diagnosis of shingles, and to get IgM test for the virus.
-Get analegesics for nerve pain , which can be given after examining the affected area by the dermatologist or they even may refer you to Neurologist.
Hope this guides you. Please let me know if there's any further queries.
Regards
Visit dermatologist to diagnose with IgM blood test for further treatment
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thank you for getting back to me.
If the pain is persistent, it will certainly be better for you to consult your doctor even if you still have no skin symptoms. They will give you specific medication as I doubt Ibuprofen will help much. This will help with the pain even if it is due to shingles or something like nerve compression or sprain etc.
As I've mentioned, shingles without rash and blisters is quite rare, but it is a possibility.
My advice would be:
- consult a dermatologist and mention your exact symptoms and possible diagnosis of shingles, and to get IgM test for the virus.
-Get analegesics for nerve pain , which can be given after examining the affected area by the dermatologist or they even may refer you to Neurologist.
Hope this guides you. Please let me know if there's any further queries.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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