What Causes Rashes On Back When Diagnosed With Shingles?

Posted on Mon, 23 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi- I had a rash on my back; saw a rediclinic doc who did not test it but diagnosed it as shingles. At first it was only on the right side of my back. Now I have couple of spots on the left side as well.. Can this still be shingles?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query.

In most of cases physical examination is sufficient to diagnose shingles.It can still be shingles because although the rash is typically confined on one side of the body ,in various cases it can spread to other body parts.Also the symptoms (tingling and burning pain before the blisters appear ) are very typical signs of shingles.
It would be very helpful if you could provide a picture of this rash ,to give you a better judgement.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar