Eddy____

Thanks for the replies. The doctor says that he's convinced it's shingles, but I'm not completely convinced by the doctor - I really had to put him on the spot to get any explanation of his diagnosis. There was no swab culture, he had a look and made the diagnosis. It seems as though the best plan is to wait 3 months and then have a blood test. Or course, if he's wrong then there may be outbreaks before this. Fingers crossed....

Hi guys, hoping this is the correct place to ask this. I came down with a rash around the left buttock and genitals on the weekend. By sunday it was severe so went to the hospital doctor and he told me it was herpes zoster and prescribed acyclovir 800, 5xday for 7 days. I'm very worried though as it is on the groin as well as my left buttock, but is only on the left side of my body and never crosses the middle (is that a feature of zoster?). I also feel completely drained and lacking in any energy since. I've been in committed relationships for the last 8 years, but recently became single. Since then I had one brief fling over a weekend (about 2 weeks ago), using condoms at all times. Reading up on the chances of transmission it looks small, but then I'm 38 and the chances of getting zoster are also small! Last week was a heavy one, having to entertain clients in town until 3am for 4 nights. I was feeling wrecked so obviously my immune system was shot to pieces. I've also been traveling internationally for work a huge amount over the past couple of months as well as going through a major separation. I live in Thailand (no judgements on that bit please, ha!) and whilst the doctor spoke near perfect English the level of clarity here never rises above vague. I've tried attached a picture of the rash at its worst, but the buttons don't seem to be working. Any help greatly appreciated.