Hi , my mum has had a mascetomy 2 yrs ago which she recieved radiotherapy for and is now cancer free. About 6 months ago , she broke out in a rash that was painful and made her quite unwell (fluey symtoms). We intailly thought it was shingles and got the doc out but she didnt think it was as the rash isnt risen and just prescribed some painkillers . It disappeared after a few days but it keeps coming back. It has returned about 4 times since the first attack though not quite as severe. It comes down her trunk and arm on her left side where she had the masectomy and radiotherapy. She is afraid to go back to doc . Any ideas?
HI, thanks for using Chat Doctor It does sound like shingles, this is the most common reason for a painful recurrent rash. The associated pain can be difficult to treat, ordinary painkillers are commonly not effective. She may need medications such as gabapentin, lyrics, amitriptyline. These are used for nerve related pain. She may also want to consider the shingles' vaccine to prevent rash recurrence. I hope this helps