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Is Repeated Skin Lesion Outbreak Symptom Of Recurring Shingles?

Posted on Wed, 2 Apr 2014

Question: Could this be recurring shingles? I have had three outbreaks in 3 weeks, which is what led me to the doctor in the first place. Same spot, right buttocks cheek, but it is definitely getting worse not better. My husband of 30 years has no symptoms. My doc diagnosed herpes this week with a visual exam. I hope tomorrow she does some testing. It's becoming quite painful! So, could it be recurring shingles? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: It can be shingles Detailed Answer: Hello Yes, the symptoms suggest shingles. However three episodes in just three weeks is uncommon. Shingles is recurrent, but there is usually a gap of one or two month between two episodes. If possible upload a photograph of the lesions. This will help me in giving a closer diagnosis. There is an option to upload photographs on right side of query page. Please utilize it. You can ask the doctor to do test for antibodies against shingles. This will help in diagnosing your condition. Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (15 hours later)

Also, she did not want to do any testing. I have no idea why. I'm hoping the infectious disease doctor will test. The treatment may be the same but the psychological toll is much worse with herpes than with shingles. Shouldn't be so stigmatized but there it is.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (16 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please get treatment started Detailed Answer: Hello, I understand your concern. There is nothing to be stigmatized, both herpes and shingles are caused by virus and both are recurrent. In fact herpes is less painful. I hope your treating doctor starts treatment even if no tests are done. Let me know the treatment started so I can follow your case. Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

She put me on Valtrex and I had a severe reaction. Now on no drugs until I see the next doctor (she sent me to an infectious disease doc). I am hoping there are other drugs but they are all in same class. On Acyclovir ointment currently. I will keep you in the loop and thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Avoid stress Detailed Answer: Hello Acyclovir ointment is fine. If you had reaction to valtrex, better to avoid other anti virals as all are similar in properties. Continue with acyclovir ointment and meet infectious disease doctor. Diagnosis is important. One important thing is to avoid stress. Both herpes and shingles are precipitated by stress. Try to avoid both physical and mental stress as far as possible. Thank you

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj