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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Itchy Rash On Back And Diagnosed With Shingles. Is It Contagious And Can It Pass To Infant?

I was with my 24 yr old niece the past few days. She had a rash on her back, just one spot said it just itched, it wasn't painful. Her Dad took her to Urgent Care said it was Shingles. I have a 2 month old grandchild that was also around her . Should we be concerned that she could get it from my niece or even me . I have had chickenpox but needless to say my Granddaughter has only had a couple of shots so far in her young life. I put ointment on it for a fungus I didn't think it was shingles since it was only one spot and it didn't hurt her.
Wed, 10 Jul 2013
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Shingles cannot cause another person to catch shingles but can cause chickenpox but requires direct contact with the sores. I doubt your grandchild is at risk to catch chickenpox.

Shingles begins commonly on the trunk as a burning/itching rash that soon spread around the body from the middle of the back (spine) to the middle of the abdomen without crossing over to the other side. It may be early in the illness so time will tell but your grandchild should be fine.
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Had Itchy Rash On Back And Diagnosed With Shingles. Is It Contagious And Can It Pass To Infant?

Shingles cannot cause another person to catch shingles but can cause chickenpox but requires direct contact with the sores. I doubt your grandchild is at risk to catch chickenpox. Shingles begins commonly on the trunk as a burning/itching rash that soon spread around the body from the middle of the back (spine) to the middle of the abdomen without crossing over to the other side. It may be early in the illness so time will tell but your grandchild should be fine.