What Do Hives On The Neck When Diagnosed With Herpes Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 8 Jul 2017

Question: I am a 59 yr old woman. I have had chicken pox and I also have genital herpes. I have had a hive like rash on the back of my neck my left waist and both inner upper arms for approx. 4 wks. I am wondering if it is possible to get a less
severe case of shingles due to the herpes.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This look like more an urticaria rash than a herpes zoster.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.

Yes you can have mild symptoms of shingles if you have taken acyclovir during this time for genital herpes. But it is not known that you can have mild symptoms of shingles if you have genital herpes.

Please could you explain me if you have pain or do you have itch in this place?
I have seen carefully the picture and I think that this look like more an urticaria rash than a herpes zoster.

I suggest to meet an allergologist to get a right treatment.

I hope my answer helps you.
I wish you a quick recovery.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (48 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. Dede,
Yes it itches like crazy and sometimes it even hurts. I have used over the counter anti-itch medicines and took prednisone for 4 days. I am going bananas with the itch. I will make an appointment with an allergy doc, but can you recommend anything in the meantime.

Thank you,
Crystal King

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can use levocetirizine or loratadine.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thank you writing back.
I am sorry for my late response.

During this time you can use levocetirizine or loratadine and could apply calamine lotion in order to relieve the symptoms.

I hope my answer helps you.
I wish you a quick recovery.
Regards.

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy