Could This Be Shingles? 30-Year-Old Female
I’m a 30-year-old woman residing in the UK. I am currently on a regimen that includes omeprazole, azathioprine, and uztekinimab to manage my Crohn’s disease, as well as venlafaxine for depression issues. Recently, I've been experiencing severe pain and a burning sensation in my left breast, which has persisted for the past few days, accompanied by a general sense of tiredness. Today, I noticed a rash appearing on my back, specifically on the same side where I have been feeling breast pain. Does this resemble shingles? I’ve shared a photo in the comments for reference.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 12:20:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing symptoms that may be concerning, especially given your medical history and current medications. The combination of severe pain, burning sensations, fatigue, and the appearance of a rash on your back could potentially indicate shingles (herpes zoster), but there are other possibilities as well.
Explanation: Shingles typically appears as a painful, blistering rash, often following a nerve path on one side of the body. It's caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which can occur in individuals who have had chickenpox in the past. The pain you are experiencing in your breast, combined with the rash, suggests a connection that could indeed point toward shingles.
However, your symptoms can also overlap with other conditions, considering your current medications and Crohn's disease. Fatigue and pain can arise from many different sources, including complications from your underlying condition or side effects from medications.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to the progression of your rash and pain. If the rash develops into blisters or worsens in any way, note these changes.
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Pain Management: In the meantime, you can use over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen, if safe for you, to manage discomfort.
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Rest and Hydration: Ensure you rest adequately and stay well-hydrated to support your overall health and recovery.
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Contact a Healthcare Provider: Given your existing health conditions and the combination of symptoms, it’s important to discuss your situation with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can provide tailored advice, potential treatments, and check whether you may need antiviral medication if it is shingles.
Taking these steps is crucial, especially since your symptoms involve both pain and a rash, and early intervention is key in managing shingles effectively. Please let me know if you would like more information.
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