Shingles following antiviral Med treatment

Hello @ggb21 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. To better understand how members can support you, can you share a little more detail on your symptoms? Is this your first time having Shingles? What type of antiviral med treatment did you have?

500mg Famciclovir3xday 7days- blistering& rash from cleavage under on on rt breast around to mid back. Excruciating pain. Also taking 300-500mg Gabapentin @nt & 400mg Ibuprofen 2xdaily for Spinal stenosis/sciatica- Tylenol on demand using Calamine lotion - can’t bandage under breast or wear a bra to lift breast / I’m a C-D cup -83 yrs old & breast gravity is any painful. Any suggestions?

ggb21 yes this is my first outbreak of shingles. I’m adding this to the above info.

@ggb21 your rash and location of it certainly sound challenging. I wonder if you might try something like lambs wool/sheepskins padding to wear on your skin and between your bra to keep pressure off of your sores and provide relief by way of the natural lanolin? I've used it for years when I was a figure skater to protect open ankle sores/blisters from breaking in new figure skates. Here is a link to some additional information if you are interested: https://engelworldwide.com/natures-band-aid-sheepskins-amazing-medical-uses/

Have you ever heard of this before?

Thank you for your suggestion, I’ll give it a try. Wearing a bra has been unbearable ,which only adds to the problem.

Hello @ggb21

I'd like to add my welcome to you as a new member of Mayo Clinic Connect. I had Shingles (first time) in September 2020, they were on the right side of my back in the waistband area. I remember staying in a nightgown most of the month to avoid pressure on that area.

I've also had several surgeries of the upper digestive tract which have left scars (and probably scar tissue) in or near the breast bone so I too have problems finding and wearing a comfortable bra. I always get a bra bigger than what I really need to keep the pressure off of the scarred area. This might be helpful to you if you want to try it.

The suggestion of @amandajro is also a good one. The sheepskins padding might be helpful.

As it appears that it has been just 16 days since your Shingles outbreak, it could be that you are expecting relief too soon. I had a full month of discomfort and it does come back periodically, but not as bad as it was originally.

A dermatologist might be very helpful in finding some answers. Have you seen a dermatologist?

Thank you for your response. My shingles started on 5/30/21, but I initially thought it was an irritation underneath my breast from a new for 2 days until the pain started. I have bought new softer no band 2 sizes larger bras & all cotton PJ’s & tops. The real problem is having had blisters on my breast, underneath & on flesh where the band area of a bra touches leaves me wearing a cotton undershirt w no support. I will try to find the sheepskin as previously recommended & see a dermatologist as you mentioned. Although, from what I’ve read on the Mayo Clinic site,I’ve already taken the antiviral meds on onset, used Calamine lotion, oatmeal soaks & now using an antiviral gel & have been prescribed the 3 meds recommended w the exception of a Pain Patch.

@ggb21

I'm glad that you will be making an appointment with a dermatologist. They have exceptional skills for dealing with skin problems of all types.

I certainly can empathize with anyone dealing with post-Shingles pain. Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?

What was the other item u mentioned besides sheepskin to line my bra? I’m hVING A DIFFICULTTIME FINDING SUCH

I JUST RECOVERED YOUR EMAILSUGGESTING LAMBSWOOL?SHEEPSKIN PADDING & NATURAL LANOLIN LLOTION RECOMMENDATIONS. BUT, IM NOT HAVING ANY SUCCESS IN LOCATING LAMBSWOO/SHEEPSKINM PRODUCT THAT I COULD LINE MY BRA WITH. JOYCE MCD