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Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Pain And Itchy Rashes
Question: I have been having a lot of back pain in the area of my left kidney and the left side of my stomach for a few days. This past Weds. the pain was so bad that I had to go see my family doctor. He says I am getting the shingles. He did a urine culture but it didn't show anything. He gave me pain medicine which helps tremendously but the pain isn't going away. My question is if I am getting the shingles how long do they take to break out. So far I don't have a rash but I do itch quite a bit. Today the pain has moved to the center of my back. I have a follow-up appointment with him tomorrow but I am just wondering if there is a possibility that I am coming down with shingles. Do you have an opinion on this?
Brief Answer:
It can be shingles, and may need more intenstive painkillers
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, it seems to be supporting the diagnosis of shingles or herpes zoster however it usually takes 2 to 4 days to develop its rash after the onset of pain or irritation but exceptions do occur. In some individuals it may not appear with full intensity. But pain still remains for few weeks upto months and is usually intense.
I would suggest you continue using analgesics which have been prescribed by your physician but if OTC analgesics like acetaminophen doesn't respond you may need more potent pain killers which work well with nerve pains like gaba pentins or duloxetine. Topical analgesic patches are also available.
Before concluding the diagnosis to be final kindly get a dermatologist review to discuss for topical antivirals like acyclovir.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
It can be shingles, and may need more intenstive painkillers
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, it seems to be supporting the diagnosis of shingles or herpes zoster however it usually takes 2 to 4 days to develop its rash after the onset of pain or irritation but exceptions do occur. In some individuals it may not appear with full intensity. But pain still remains for few weeks upto months and is usually intense.
I would suggest you continue using analgesics which have been prescribed by your physician but if OTC analgesics like acetaminophen doesn't respond you may need more potent pain killers which work well with nerve pains like gaba pentins or duloxetine. Topical analgesic patches are also available.
Before concluding the diagnosis to be final kindly get a dermatologist review to discuss for topical antivirals like acyclovir.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. 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. Raju A.T
Answered by
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