Brief Answer:
herpes zoster limitted to one or two dermatomes

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Herpes zoster involves one or two dermatomes which is an area of skin supplied by a spinal nerve. It does not involve the whole body. Whole body involvement points more towards acute urticarial. Anti histamines like cetirizine or hydroxyzine can be taken to see for improvement. The important decision w.r.t herpes zoster / shingles is the starting time of anti viral medication. If the distribution and presentation of the rash is notorious for herpes then anti viral meds like famciclovir or valacyclovir must be initiated within 48 hours of the appearance of the lesion or else there is no lasting benefit if started at a later time.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

---