Question: I have pictures to send as well. I am dealing with blisters on my body. They started about 3-4 days ago and appeared to be very much like Herpes. i am a non medical expert of course. However, the same blister type sores that popped up on the left side of my scrotum, left side of my lower abdomen, and left side of my inner thigh, are now all over the left side of my lower back. They start at the very base of my spine, and travel what a lay person might call along a dermatome.

I have 1 blister on my wrist, and more seem to be appearing in other places. Some background is I have been dealing with skin issues for at least a year. My back gets very red, as does my chest. that redness has been splotchy, and never with blisters. almost a camouflage like pattern.

Prior to my lower back displaying a classic dermatome shape (2 days ago) I had a heal.com doctor over to the house. he prescribed Cephalexin. I am not taking it as I feel my symptoms are similar to Shingles. I will take it if I get another doctor to recommend it, but am hesitant to just start throwing antibiotics at everything.

Long story endless, I am hoping you feel you can give me a solid diagnosis so I can start treatment.


Also, I have no recent sexual activity that would suggest herpes. The symptoms just started like that.

I went to another doctor as your answer left me with more questions than solutions. As it turns out I saw a nurse practitioner and a doctor the next day. they were both pretty positive it was shingles and started anti viral, and steroids. My concern is that if you were sure, could you prescribe me medicine? Is that possible on this platform? My other concern is that shingles is something that needs to be addressed early. SO while blood tests would be beneficial, I was left with no medication and in a pretty bad spot, in my opinion. SO overall, there was nothing wrong with your answer, but it sort of left me in the same place I started. I suppose going out on a limb with pictures is difficult. The other nurse and doctor did not need a blood test and were certain. They did swab the area at my request to confirm it was zoster and not sexually transmitted, but even that they were fairly certain. I still want to know for sure. The medication seemingly is working very well. I hope my answer is respectful even if not glowing.