Shingles

[Julia]

Glad to know you're coping, Tech. One thing you probably wouldn't do, but I'm thinking be on the safe side to mention it, is absolutely not to apply any of the steroid creams/ointments, e.g. Betnovate. It would seem a natural enough thing to do with the way they are supposed to ease itch and inflammation, but steroids can make it way worse.
Ditto for anyone suffering from other herpes viruses.

And hey, you're being very brave in the face of what's for sure a damned unpleasant ailment. (Tech puffs up chest with pride!)