I had a pale rash and lots of pain in my arm and side -- kind of like the flu. It was horrible to feel this way with small children. Would definitely take the meds because you wouldn't want it to get worse.

I had shingles on my head and over my eye. The main symptom for me was pain. I did not have weepy spots or a red rash. If you are in pain, then definitely take the anti-viral. Shingles can really suck.

Take antivirals. If you don't it could get worse and the pain can linger for a long time sometime permanently. If you are that doubtful, get a second opinion tomorrow.

I got shingles and it was like a bug bite or pimple, just little raised red bumps. They were excruciatingly painful, though. By the time I went to the doctor, he told me I had missed the window to take the anti-viral medication and to use benadryl spray. Other than that, he said to not let anyone touch the rash, and cover it if is weeping. Unsightly (it was on my face), but not a huge problem.

I had it while breastfeeding as well (surprisingly common) and didn't take the antivirals.

I had a very mild case in grad school. I didn't take anti-virals. It was just a weird bumpy spot on my arm that didn't itch and just felt like a very strange rash. Apparently it's usually way worse.

OP here, sorry, my questions was whether I could have shingles w/o the blistery rash. I'm doubtful it's shingles at all. Doctor seemed unsure, but wants to treat anyway.

Doc said I have shingles. (Red raised angry spots on right hip.) But there's no blistering, and I've had the rash for four days now. Anyone had shingles without the typical blistery, pussy rash? I'm torn on whether I should take antivirals, since I'm past the 72 hour window where meds are effective. But she wants me to take it anyway...I'm breastfeeding, so I'm not sure if it's worth it for me to wean when the return is so iffy.