Multiple shingles sites?

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Is it possible to have shingles in more than one area? For instance can you have the rash around your eye AND on your chest at the same time? I have never seen shingles first hand before and don't remember what they said in nursing school about this. I know it follows a nerve path and is unilateral, but havent been able to find the answer to this question anywhere.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

The rash starts off as red spots, which quickly turn into blisters. They always affect only one side of the body (left or right) and never cross the midline. This is because they come out on the area of skin which is supplied by one particular nerve. The rash may affect any part of the body, including head and limbs. It may thus appear as a band around one side of the chest or abdomen, or down an arm or leg. It may affect the head, and when it affects the upper cheek or the side of the forehead it may also affect the eye.

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Specializes in ICU, telemetry, LTAC.

By the way, if you have it anywhere on your head you need to see your doctor asap!

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