Hi,

Yes, this does sound like shingles, indeed.

Please see the following for plenty of information:

"Shingles — also known as herpes zoster — is a viral infection that causes a painful rash.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in your nerves. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

Although painful, typically shingles isn't a serious condition. Sometimes, however, the rash can lead to a debilitating complication called postherpetic neuralgia. This condition causes the skin to remain painful and sensitive to touch for months or even years after the rash clears up.

Early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and reduce the risk of complications." http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098

"Causes:

Shingles is a second eruption of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses, which includes the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes. Many of these viruses can lie hidden in your nervous system after an initial infection and remain dormant for years before causing another infection.

Anyone who's had chickenpox may develop shingles. If your immune system doesn't destroy the entire virus during the initial infection, the remaining virus can enter your nervous system and lie hidden for years. Eventually, it may reactivate and travel along nerve pathways to your skin — producing shingles.

The reason for the encore is unclear. Shingles is more common in older adults and those who have weak immune systems." http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098/DSECTION=3

"Although an episode of shingles usually heals on its own within a few weeks, prompt treatment can ease pain, speed healing and reduce the risk of complications. Complications are more likely for people who have weak immune systems and people older than age 65.

Doctors typically prescribe oral antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) or famciclovir (Famvir) to treat shingles — preferably beginning within 48 to 72 hours of the first sign of the shingles rash. Sometimes, antiviral medications are combined with corticosteroids to reduce swelling and pain.

If the pain is severe — particularly if you develop postherpetic neuralgia — your doctor may prescribe painkillers. Sometimes tricyclic antidepressants or certain anticonvulsants are helpful. A topical ointment called capsaicin (Zostrix, Zostrix-HP) or a skin patch that contains the pain-relieving medication lidocaine may be soothing as well." http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098/DSECTION=7

"Self-care:

If you develop shingles, take good care of yourself:

• Keep the affected area clean.
• Apply cool, wet compresses to relieve pain.
• Soak in a tub of lukewarm water or use calamine lotion to relieve itching and discomfort.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).
• Get plenty of rest."

According to a pharmacist:

"Valtrex is generally given 3 times a day for 7 days to treat shingles. Typical dosage is 1 gram. It works best if started within 48 hours of the start of the rash.

Take the full Valtrex prescription, even if you feel better and the symptoms improve. The symptoms may improve before your body's immune system has had a chance to fully fight the infection.

Shingles typically last 3 to 5 weeks. After a few days the skin along the rash gets blistered and looks a lot like chickenpox." http://www.coreynahman.com/Valtrex.html

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