Dr. Reeja Tharu
Written by Dr. Reeja Tharu, M.Phil.,Ph.D
Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team  on Jan 07, 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I consult with, if I have shingles?

You can consult a dermatologist.

2. Can anyone get shingles?

No. Not everyone will get shingles. Only those who have had chicken pox in childhood can get shingles as adults.

3. Is shingles contagious?

Shingles is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another. However, contact with a person affected with shingles can cause chicken pox in someone who has never had it before.

4. Can shingles cause other infections related to viruses of the herpes family?

No. Shingles cannot cause other herpes related infections, because the varicella zoster virus can cause only chicken pox and shingles. The virus does not cause genital herpes or cold sores.

5. How long does the infection last?

The rash associated with shingles can last up to 2 weeks, while the pain may occur even before the rash starts and could last up to a month, or longer in some cases (Post Herpetic Neuralgia).

6. Why does the virus get reactivated after a dormant period?

The varicella zoster virus is reactivated due to the weakening of the immune system with aging or diseases like AIDS or Cancer.

7. Can shingles recur in a person affected with the infection once?

Most people are affected with the infection only once, but those with weakened immune systems may have repeated encounters with the disease.
Published on Jan 21, 2012
Last Updated on Jan 07, 2020

Comments

Answer Sunday, August 7, 2011

Hi Friends, I have been afected with herpes Zoster, started with pain in left hand and left underarms 3 weeks back. Nearly 1 week back got rashes in left hand and near chest. Now I am taking antiviral tablets and other medictines prescribed my the doctor. Now my rashes has become balck but still have pain in and arround underarms and near left breast. I would like to know whether this can be completely cured? I am 30 years old and I am trying for a baby. Wether herpes would aftec the chance of getting pregnant? Whether this wud aftect the baby during prepgnacy? whether is thr any chance of speading to my parter and 4 year old daughter? I am realy confused with this. I kidly request you people to help me to get my answers....Thanks in advance

gibsonlinda Thursday, April 7, 2011

I've had phn for 7yrs.I've taken lots of meds inc. natural such as neuropathy. even so if it wasn't for the med I CURRENT TAKE GIVE ME SOME QUALTY OF LIFE.But as far aS i can see I will never be pain free. So what the use of livin. thanks linda gibson hou tx so tried of fighting these pain

suzane_fadrik Friday, January 7, 2011

The visible symptom of shingles is a very blistery rash that looks like a fever blister. This shingles symptom only occurs on the one side of the body and runs in the distribution of the nerve. The distribution of the nerve is not something that the patient would recognize, that's something that the dermatologist would recognize. The symptom of shingles are in the oral health category. http://www.simplehealthguide.com/

Barbo Tuesday, June 8, 2010

I am 75 and have been battling Shingles for about 8 weeks....I took Valtrex and am on Lyrica....The spots are pretty well healed but the pain under my left rib cage, diaphram, and back is unreal....it is almost like it has gone inside and under. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciataed....Thanx, Barbo

carmen475 Saturday, May 22, 2010

The medicines for shingles are Acyclovir, Famciclovir and Valtrex. The doctor prescribed Valtrex. He asked me to apply it topically with cotton and oxygen peroxide twice daily and leave it for 2 hours.

I have also got an anti-inflammatory plant (Yerva mora) Solanum nigrum ?Black nightshade which proved effective. First place the leaves in a cotton role and powder it. Then mix it with peroxide and apply it on the affected area for 2 hours twice a day. I supported the cotton with a little bag made of rolled gauze. I put a plastic piece above it to avoid stain to my clothes. In 3 days I got rid of the marks.
Basil leaves with peroxide can also prove to be a cheap and wonderful medicine. It helps to bring down the pain and stops shingles from advancing. Apple cider vinegar can also be used similarly to get rid of shingles in less than a month.

Take Vitamins E sometimes, and B complex liquid or sub lingual for a week. Shingles will soon get cured. However just be careful to avoid contamination by allowing anyone to touch the affected area. The Internet would give you all information regarding the contamination period. In addition be careful while handling food. However do not use the fruits of Black nightshade, but only use it topically.

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