My hubby's were over 12 inches long down his abdomen, and around his back, and were horrible to look at! Angry red, and some even black. You have to keep that area clean with hydrogen peroxide daily to keep secondary infection down... so take good care of YOUR rash.

I had just gone upNorth with our son, for the summer. Hubby was to follow in 2 wks, after we got the house open and working.
He sent a message (this was before cell phones) to the marina, and said he was ill. His pain was odd, so he thought he had the flu. I got the message, and called him on a payphone, and immediately realized he had a big problem. I made him promise to go to my doctor, which he did... and the rest is history for us.

He finally showed up 10 days or so later...after the Zovirax and
Cefzil (antibiotic) for his ear. Our cousin didn't believe this situation....as she sadly is a mega manipulator and liar and expects lies from others (sigh). So when he did show up... she had a doctor with her (her latest squeeze) and they pooh poohed the whole story( like "sure" etc). So hubby raised his shirt, and the ghastly angry icky wicky situation was for all to see. Our cousin's doctor friend... drew back, afraid to catch it all himself, and that was the end of the weird family event. I learned alot about HER that day... what a PAIN she is! It was an unexpected learning experience. I don't really have much to do with her now...as you might imagine. LOL

Hubby now does not complain or have issues with his "shingles" anymore...so people do get better and go into remission even with a severe case like he had.