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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Cephalexin Be Taken While Suffering From Shingles?

I have had a shingles flare up several years ago (5-10). I am now taking Cephalexin for other purposes. Just wondering if it is having an effect on the shingles. I have a severe itch on both sides of my back, and what appears to be a line of bumps across my back from spot to spot.
Thu, 17 Aug 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to health care magic.

Shingles is an activation of dormant viral infection caused by herpes zoster virus.
Cephalexin is antibiotic which acts against bacteria so it wont work for shingles.
Itching and bumps at the back may be sign of impending shingles.
You need to visit dermatologist/physician to confirm about it.
It is treated by a course of antivirals acyclovir 5 times or valacyclovir 3 times for 10 days.
You can apply calamine lotion locally to get relief from itching.
Oral anti histaminic like cetrizine once a day for 3-5 days can be taken.

Hope this information helps.
Feel free to ask any more query.
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Can Cephalexin Be Taken While Suffering From Shingles?

Hello Welcome to health care magic. Shingles is an activation of dormant viral infection caused by herpes zoster virus. Cephalexin is antibiotic which acts against bacteria so it wont work for shingles. Itching and bumps at the back may be sign of impending shingles. You need to visit dermatologist/physician to confirm about it. It is treated by a course of antivirals acyclovir 5 times or valacyclovir 3 times for 10 days. You can apply calamine lotion locally to get relief from itching. Oral anti histaminic like cetrizine once a day for 3-5 days can be taken. Hope this information helps. Feel free to ask any more query.