The lower left rib area is aching and I have numbness of the skin above my top left ab muscle and on the lower left rib area... If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated

Did you have any rash on this area before you developed your symptoms? May I ask your age? Do you also have a burning type sensation? Herpes Zoster, AKA "shingles" is a possibility. It affects the nerves, usually on one side (rarely a crossover). Shingles is the re-activation of the chickenpox virus and in adults it can present as such as opposed to the scattered rash we all know in childhood. Hope this helps. Joey G.

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Originally Posted by zapper

The lower left rib area is aching and i have numbness of the skin above my top left ab muscle and on the lower left rib area... If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated

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It did feel a little itchy but there was no rashes and it does feel a little like having a burning type sensation. I'm 17 yrs old

Hi Zapper,

You are considered an adult and at least in my opinion with the limited information and not being able to evaluate you, it sounds like you may have a mild case of shingles. I would at least try something you can apply to the aching or painful area. There is a product that does not require a prescription, called ZOSTRIX. It is worth a try however if your symptoms do not improve or if it gets worse, I recommend have it evaluated by a health professional. If it is indeed Shingles, if it is more than 48 hours since you had the symptoms, there is no treatment available. We usually just give medications to help the pain. Hope you feel better. Joey G