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Suggest Ways To Rule Out Varicella-zoster Virus Infection
Question: I have what looks like a Varicella zoster virus on my left thigh that has been there for over a month. I probably should see my doctor and plan to do just that, but what treatment am I to expect from the doctor being the virus been present for such a long period of time.
Brief Answer:
Antivirals
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Shingles is usually a painful, one-sided vesicular eruption with a band like appearance. It can last for well over a month, especially the pain. It is caused from reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the nerve roots. Therefore, it causes pain and a rash in a nerve root pattern. Age, surgery, cancers/tumors, some medications can all increase your risk of reactivation.
It usually starts as a tingling, itching and progresses to a knifelike pain. The rash is very red, and sometimes will rupture and bleed. Treatment is based on controlling pain and preventing complications. Antivirals therapy decreases viral replication, lessens inflammation and nerve damage, and reduces the severity and duration of long-term pain. Calamine and colloidal oatmeal may help reducing itching and burning sensation.
Antiviral agents initiated within 72 hours of skin lesions help relieve symptoms, speed resolution, and prevent complications. It is 7 days of Valacyclovir or acyclovir. You can try tylenol or ibuprofen for pain. Gabapentin can help with the pain occasionally. Some people can have pain for many months. Complications include: meningitis, encephalitis, skin infections, hepatitis, pneumonia, vision changes, nerve palsy, and neuropathy.
Anti-virals are very safe so there is little harm in trying to resolve the rash sooner due to the risk of complications.
Antivirals
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Shingles is usually a painful, one-sided vesicular eruption with a band like appearance. It can last for well over a month, especially the pain. It is caused from reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the nerve roots. Therefore, it causes pain and a rash in a nerve root pattern. Age, surgery, cancers/tumors, some medications can all increase your risk of reactivation.
It usually starts as a tingling, itching and progresses to a knifelike pain. The rash is very red, and sometimes will rupture and bleed. Treatment is based on controlling pain and preventing complications. Antivirals therapy decreases viral replication, lessens inflammation and nerve damage, and reduces the severity and duration of long-term pain. Calamine and colloidal oatmeal may help reducing itching and burning sensation.
Antiviral agents initiated within 72 hours of skin lesions help relieve symptoms, speed resolution, and prevent complications. It is 7 days of Valacyclovir or acyclovir. You can try tylenol or ibuprofen for pain. Gabapentin can help with the pain occasionally. Some people can have pain for many months. Complications include: meningitis, encephalitis, skin infections, hepatitis, pneumonia, vision changes, nerve palsy, and neuropathy.
Anti-virals are very safe so there is little harm in trying to resolve the rash sooner due to the risk of complications.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I have not had hardly any pain from this condition but have had severe itching from it at times, especially when I slightly scratch at it. I guess I'm fortunate It's only a single pox located on the side of my left thigh. I recently gotten a shingles shot as a precautionary in case other symptoms of this virus appear elsewhere on my body.
Brief Answer:
Fortunate indeed
Detailed Answer:
You're very fortunate. Pain is the worse symptom.
Your doctor can help with the itching - usually Benadryl or a steroid cream.
I hope all goes well. The shingles shot was a great idea.
Let me know if you have more questions about any other medical problems.
Fortunate indeed
Detailed Answer:
You're very fortunate. Pain is the worse symptom.
Your doctor can help with the itching - usually Benadryl or a steroid cream.
I hope all goes well. The shingles shot was a great idea.
Let me know if you have more questions about any other medical problems.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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