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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Shingles Prevail Without Any Bumps Or Redness But Only Have Tenderness Of The Skin?

I have a slight burning/tenderness of the skin from my mid chest around to back, I first thought shingles, however there are no bumps or redness, only tneder, this has been there for a week, eases up at times. Can you have shingles with no break outs ?
posted on Sun, 27 Oct 2013
Twitter Tue, 7 Jan 2014 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 7 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
Yes, there is a condition called Zoster sine herpete which can cause herpes zoster like pain without any rash. It is rare and presents with characteristic pain along the course of a nerve ( dermatome) and can sometimes be misdiagnosed for chest pain and heart related ailments. However, it is always better to rule out cardiac and musculoskeletal problems before reaching this diagnosis as this is rare and is a diagnosis of exclusion.
Hope this helps you.
Take care.
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Can Shingles Prevail Without Any Bumps Or Redness But Only Have Tenderness Of The Skin?

Hello, Welcome to healthcare magic. Yes, there is a condition called Zoster sine herpete which can cause herpes zoster like pain without any rash. It is rare and presents with characteristic pain along the course of a nerve ( dermatome) and can sometimes be misdiagnosed for chest pain and heart related ailments. However, it is always better to rule out cardiac and musculoskeletal problems before reaching this diagnosis as this is rare and is a diagnosis of exclusion. Hope this helps you. Take care.