Just wanted to share my story re: first time shingles down my right arm. I had chickenpox as a young toddler. 

I had mild cold-type symptoms in the days preceding the rash with fatigue; but did not have any pain or itch down my arm. Not unwell enough for me to consider testing for COVID/Flu etc.

Woke up one day with 2 separate lesions with 3 “bite” marks in a row (the burst lesions in the photo) - might have scratched in my sleep. No other vesicles at the time, thought I might have been bitten by a bug or spider. Within 24 hours I had clear vesicles and rash spreading on my forearm, then noted on the back of my right shoulder.

Went to the GP who said it’s most likely shingles at prescribed antivirals - this was at the 72 hour mark. Since then, I haven’t had major spread of new vesicles but I’ve actually covered it up with hydrocolloid bandages that are absorbing fluid from burst vesicles. 

I’m now having more itching, tingling with minor “zaps” and a muscle-ache type pain in my right deltoid. I’m a small person so it could all just be local inflammation? Manageable with ice pack, Panadol and ibuprofen. New headaches and ongoing fatigue. But I understand it’s early days (D5) and worried about PHN later. :(

I was never swabbed for VZV but likely shingles in C5/C6 dermatome. 

I’ve had recurrent oral thrush since contracting COVID twice in the last 4 years, and increased viral respiratory infections. My immunity is definitely low.

31F Shingles