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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Shingles

Posted on Mon, 5 Dec 2016

Question: I am 71 years old and a female. A couple of days ago I lifted a case of water. I think I pulled a muscle in my back on the left side, this is painful. I can handle that, but this morning I noticed that I have a rash that burns on my left hip. The rash is raised and looks like blisters but not broken and is painful to the touch. I'm not too concerned but just wondering if the two are related. I think not, but strange that the raised rash was not there yesterday.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You have Herpes Zoster (Shingles). It is chicken pox virus affecting nerves

Detailed Answer:
Hi welcome to HCM,
Yes the two are related.
You most probably have Herpes Zoster (Shingles). It is chicken pox virus affecting nerves in adults.
Please take a high dose of B complex, an anti inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen 400 mg twice a day, caladryl lotion locally.
You can also use the antiviral cream Acivir cream locally.
Your doctor may like to give you the Acivir tablets too.

Wishing you speedy recovery, regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (51 minutes later)

I never had chicken pox so I do not have the virus, but thanks anyway.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you need not have had chicken pox to get Shingles.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, you need not have had chicken pox to get Shingles or Herpes Zoster.
And Herpes does not present like a viral infection.
Since it affects the nerve root coming from the spine, there are painful eruptions along the distribution of that nerve root. No other symptoms. Regards

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D