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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Joe Homps

Laura asks…

Do I have shingles? Or could it be something else?

For the last two days I have had a very annoying pain wrapping around my side. It’s only on my skin and is very sensitive and achy, ibuprophen doesn’t seem to take any of the pain away. Is this the start of shingles or could it be something else or nothing at all? I have looked at all the sites for symptoms of shingles, just wondering if anyone knew more…
No sharp pain just achy tender skin. What would it be if it did turn purple? :/

admin answers:

Yes, it could be shingles, but it’s impossible to diagnose it without the tell-tale skin rash. There is no valid blood test for it. But, it could be other things, such as a pinched nerve from a backbone disc problem, too.

George asks…

I have shingles and thrush, but I’m a “healthy” 43 yr old; also constant low-grade fever. Could it be cancer?

other symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, IBS, recent rapid weight gain, fatigue and weakness, occasional vomiting sessions (last night vomiting and nausea for 8 hrs).
Also recently diagnosed hypertension, which is not being controlled very well by the beta blocker I take.

admin answers:

Sounds nothing like cancer. You have been diagnosed with an infection and need to keep seeing your doctor if treatments are not working.

Carol asks…

Shingles with no bumps?

Is it possible to have shingles with no blisters or bumps of any kind? I have several symptoms of shingles and I am a pretty good candidate to get it. I have lupus. I have also had chicken pox.

admin answers:

I think so. Check with your GP

Jenny asks…

can shingles effect your tailbone?

severe pain in the tailbone, walks with legs apart, slight extended belly, are these symptoms caused by shingles or something different!
P.S. no jokes this is a real medical condition i need to know about

admin answers:

Shingles can cause muscular pain and even bone pain yes- my mother has Parkinson’s and she landed with shingles 2 yrs ago, she was in AGONY- she had them on her chest mainly but also it went to her back and caused a great deal of discomfort. Cool compresses, keep them dry, there are many home remedies for shingles online-
Shingles are caused through the nervous system, it can cause many discomforts in various places- it is not uncommon to have muscle aches and spine pain.
Many hugs to the one who has these, lots of love is needed and sent your way.

Ruth asks…

Do I have shingles?

I have a small rash near my left hip and a small lump in my lymph node near my groin. My rash dosn’t hurt, it feels like a bug bit. The small lump in my groin, howerver, is tender to the touch. About four or five days after I found the bumps I got a seiously sick. Sever chills, heart palpatations, dizztness, and uncontrolable sweating, general acheness and my kidnies were sore. My doctor told me I had shingles, but my rash never hurt, it itched. I read up on Shingles, and my symptoms just don’t seem to match. Do I have shingels or something else?

admin answers:

Facts About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
WHAT IS SHINGLES?
Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an attack of chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve tissue. As we get older, it is possible for the virus to reappear in the form of shingles. Shingles is estimated to affect 2 in every 10 people in their lifetime. This year, more than 500,000 people will develop shingles. Fortunately, scientists are doing research to find a vaccine to prevent the disease.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING SHINGLES?

Although it is most common in people over age 50, if you have had chickenpox, you are at risk for developing shingles. Shingles is also more common in people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, transplant operations, and stress.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SHINGLES?

Early signs of shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching generally located on one side of the body or face. The pain can be severe. Rash or blisters are present anywhere from 1 to 14 days.

ARE OTHER COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SHINGLES?

Yes. If shingles appears on your face, it can lead to complications in your hearing and vision. For instance, if shingles affects your eye, the cornea can become infected and lead to temporary or permanent blindness. Another complication of the virus is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition where the pain from shingles persists for months, sometimes years, after the shingles rash has healed.

IS THERE A CURE OR TREATMENT FOR SHINGLES?

There is no cure for shingles, but the severity and duration of an attack of shingles can be significantly reduced if you are treated immediately with antiviral drugs, which include acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famcyclovir. Antiviral drugs may also help stave off the painful
after-effects of PHN. Other treatments for PHN include painkillers, steroids, antidepressants, and antiseizure medicine.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct shingles research in NIH laboratories and support additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Current research is aimed at finding new methods for treating shingles and its complications.

IS THERE A VACCINE TO PREVENT SHINGLES?

In May 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved use of a vaccine to prevent shingles. The vaccine, called Zostavax, is recommended for people 60 years of age and older who have had chickenpox but who have not had shingles. Researchers estimate the vaccine could prevent 250,000 cases of shingles that occur in the United States each year and significantly reduce the severity of the disease in another 250,000 cases annually.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Joe Homps

Chris asks…

Do “Shingles” need any treatment or will they heal alone?

I think I have shingles, I was wondering wether to just try and ignore them or seek medical advice and treatment?
I am in my early twentys, I have had chicken pox when I was very young(5-8 years old), and recovered. I have a line of blisters on my left shoulder blade running perdendicular from my spine.
I have a “stinging” muscular pain in the blisters and my left pectoral. This sound like the right thing?

admin answers:

They can heal alone but Valtrex will speed it along. You may also want to find out if there is an underlying cause …. It could be a weakened immune system.

Sandy asks…

Is Aveena body wash or cream good for the treatment of chicken pox or shingles?

admin answers:

Those type of ‘sensitive skin’ body washes or creams will NOT ‘cure’ or get rid of shingles! You should go to a doctor who will recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
They will also be able to recommend a suitable ultra-mild body wash for the affected area.

Take care! Shingles are terribly painful but best of all- they go away!!

Paul asks…

How many people would buy a natural treatment product for herpes, cold sores or shingles? What would you Pay?

admin answers:

I have been using colloidal silver for years as a natural antibiotic/viral at 500ppm and I haven’t turned blue like some idiots will tell you. It kills over 650 types of viruses, bacteria,yeasts,and fungi. I just used it on my nephew’s pinkeye and it was gone in one day. You have to research it yourself and decide. Also look up olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract,and oreganocillin.

Betty asks…

Is Valtrex an Antibiotic, as in “antibiotics to aid in treatment of rash caused by shingles”?

admin answers:

It is an anti viral used in the treatment of shingles or” in the case of those with a weak immune system”to prevent them.It is also a very effective treatment for cold sores although expensive.

Michael asks…

suggest treatment for shingles?

I had shingles a year back treated for three months.Blisters vanished leaving black skin patches. They are painfull and my doctor says I have to bear it.

admin answers:

If you have pain that persists longer than a month after your shingles rash heals, your health professional may diagnose post-herpetic neuralgia, the most common complication of shingles. Post-herpetic neuralgia can cause pain for months or years. It affects 10% to 15% of those who experience shingles.6 Treatment to reduce the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia includes:6

Antidepressant medications, such as a tricyclic antidepressant (for example, amitriptyline).
Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine patches, to numb the area.
Seizure medications, such as gabapentin.
Opioids, such as codeine.
Topical creams containing capsaicin may provide some relief from pain. Capsaicin may irritate or burn the skin of some people, and it should be used with caution.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Joe Homps

Susan asks…

What can a person do for pain from shingles?

The shingles resulted in nerve ending pain.

admin answers:

Neuronton is the drug of choice for phn (post herpetic neuralgia). And for some it goes on just for a few months, and for others, for years…. There is no telling. And you didn’t say how long our outbreak has been gone…or even if it is gone, so I’m rather at a loss here as to what to tell you do do.

The main item to avoid is to have it in the eye…. You need to see a doc asap if that is occurring. I am assuming that your shingles has abated, at least for the present.

There is a vaccine, now for shingles… Not paid for by your insurance, but you ought to call your doc about that as well. As I recall, it’s about $300 or so.. But let’s face it, anything is better than shingles pain.

Hope this helps..

Carol asks…

Has anyone gotten rid of the pain left over from shingles?

I have had the burning pain from shingles for the last 7 years. My doctor has tried 12 different pain meds. I have sat in milk and any other kind of remedy I have heard of. Is there something that really works. The pain med. only calms the pain down. Thank you

admin answers:

I know a couple of people like you who suffered with the after pain from shingles. One of them found that the Lidocaine patch worked for her. The other got a prescription for medical marijuana and he says that helped him a great deal. He also uses tegretol, which is actually a seizure medication but it seems to work. At one point or another they both were prescribed morphine which did work, but they did not want to continue to take the morphine because of the side effects, particularly constipation. They have both returned to work and their pain seems to be under control.

Mark asks…

Does Zostrix really work for shingles pain?

I’ve just started trying it and haven’t noticed any difference. I’m not even feeling the “heat” that the pharmacist warned me about because of the capsaicin, and he talked me into getting the lowest dosage. Anyone with any experience out there who can tell me about their experience?
p.s. I’m already on an antiviral and mega-motrin for the pain (it’s not really working).

admin answers:

Zostrix does nothing for the pain. It only works on the virus itself and to help get rid of the virus and the outbreak. The pain can be managed with Ibuprophen, Tyleno, etc.

Richard asks…

What is the best pain relief for shingles?

I have shingles to my shoulder, neck and chest. Does anyone have any tips on reducing the pain, i have been perscribed some tablets for the pain and some for the virus itself, but the pain is annoying me now after 1 week. I have used canesten and savlon but both are really for anti-bacterial or anti-fungal use i think.

admin answers:

Having had shingles a few times – Through trial and error, I found the best solution of pain relief for me: was any topical ointment of patch containing ‘capsicum’. These are available over-the-counter, however you might consider asking you health-care professional for a prescription of an anti-viral which will increase the rate at which you recover from an outbreak of shingles.

For your infomation – Shingles is simply an outbreak of the ‘Chicken-Pox’ virus, which most of us encounter during childhood. Although we fend off the initial infection – the virus resides in our nerve cells, and in times when our immune system is low or challenged – it may travel down the nerve and cause irritation to the host (whilst attempting to break out and transmit itself via the blisters that are the cause of such pain).

Wishing you all the best – Kick arse with your Healthcare provider – Malc.

Mandy asks…

Can anyone tell me which home remedies work best for dealing with *Shingles pain?

admin answers:

Shingles suck!! Im 21 and i just got the chicken pox for the first time. When i first got to the doctor, the gave me percasets right off the bat, and is still felt it. As far as home remedies, calamine lotion and oatmeal baths help with the itching a little. And tylenol and asprin lower the fever. The chicken pox virus is nasty especialy when you get older. Shingles is the reactivation of the virus in your nerve endings, thats why it hurts so much. I would recomend you go to the doctor and some perscription pain killers. Good luck to ya.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Joe Homps

Steven asks…

I’m 26 & 3yr ago got shingles,Now 4 2 wks flue symptoms, no blisters, Could it B it AGAIN w/out blisters Yet??

admin answers:

Why don’t you try asking a Doctor

Daniel asks…

could you please give me information on shingles i.e what they look like and the symptoms?

admin answers:

Shingles, they hurt really bad, they don’t hit just older people, they occur when you had a lot of stress in your life, they hit anyone who has had chicken pox, because the virus herpes zoster lies dormant (inactive) in your body. I had them and I’m only 23, I got them becasue I was so stress out about a new job and a new baby. It lasted for about 3 months. Headache.
Sensitivity to light.
Flu-like symptoms without a fever.
You may then feel itching, tingling, or extreme pain in the area where a rash will develop several days later, commonly on your back or neck. The rash progresses into clusters of blisters along the path of the nerve. The blisters fill with fluid and eventually crust over. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the blisters to heal, although some scars may remain. Hope I helped.

Maria asks…

Is this a symptom of shingles?

i have this pain on a little part of my side. it hurts when its touched even the lightest touch hurts? it feels little its going to bruise up but its not. is it what i think it might be?

admin answers:

Here’s a site with good, comprehensive information about shingles, including causes, symptoms, treatment and those for whom the vaccine works http://www.best-mens-skin-care.com/shingles.html

Carol asks…

Can I develope Shingles if I’m only 47 years old?

I’ve got symptoms of Shingles, severe pain in my upperback, from the middle over towards my left shoulder blade. It feels like the pain is going straight through to my chest. I can’t sleep for the pain, trouble with diarrhea, and my stomache hurts. If I cough it hurts, but it doesn’t hurt when I take deep breathes. This is my 3rd day with this pain but there isn’t any rash yet. ould this be Shingles and should I call my doctor?

admin answers:

Yes – without a doubt – even in your 20s or younger perhaps – go to Dr ASAP!!! However if this is a bad pain that you feel in your back that is going to your chest – it could also be gallstones. Go to ER or Dr – shingles does not always show a rash.

Even though your gallbladder is on the front right – the pain is in your back and goes through to your chest if there are a lot of them. Kidney stones cause bad pain too. Find out!! Feel better~

Donald asks…

Shingles or poison ivy? I have a small circle of red rash on my forehead – on right side of my forehead.?

Not sure if this is shingles or poison ivy. Has anyone had shingles on the forehead and if so what did it look like and what were your symptoms. Thanks. Same for those with poison ivy on forehead.

admin answers:

I’ve known several people that got shingles, myself included, and it’s always started in the area of the ribcage and spread around towards the back. Horribly painful, like raw nerves exposed and wet from the fluids oozing out.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Joe Homps

Donald asks…

can shingles cause problems with asthema or copd?

can shingles cause problems with asthema and copd because i am doing a project at school on shingles ( herpes zoster)

admin answers:

No, it should not, unless it involves one of the nerves of the diaphragm which will in turn impair breathing and then cause trouble, good luck

George asks…

The DR said I have Herpes Zoster…?

…but this is 5th time I’ve had an “attack” on my left ear lobe. I can’t go to the DR again until tomorrow, and the pain is getting worse. Last time, I had migraines and couldn’t move my neck. I get itchy sores around my ear lobe, extreme pain that goes inside my ear and down to my shoulder. The sores dry up and look like scabs. I thought shingles could only happen once. The “attacks” are brought on by stress, sun or certain ear rings. What is going on?

admin answers:

Shingles brought on by stress follows nerve pathways and is painful

Sandy asks…

Am I experiencing shingles?

I had chickenpox when I was little. So I understand that I do have a chance of getting the Herpes Zoster a.k.a Shingles. I get on my nose and back in the same area tingling, itchy, burning sensations. Then it turns into small bumps with a little puss. Then I get a scar on it that eventually goes away. I was just wondering is this Shingles?? I asked my doctor and he said that it was an obsess. Can someone please explain??

admin answers:

I have had shingles at a young age. It usually occurs on Only one side of the torso. It is pain full. There are no pussy areas. Probably an abscess…you probably need an antibiotic to treat it.

Mary asks…

could this be swollen ovaries?

This is hard to explain but i’ll try.
yesterday I was told by the doctor that I have herpes zoster (shingles). and then this morning i woke up and the area where my ovaries was is swollen. It really hurts when i put pressure on it, and it sometimes hurts randomly.
I’m 15, virgin if that helps.
thankks 🙂

admin answers:

This swelling around your ovaries can be an indication that your body is getting ready for the next period that is coming (an example only if you have been having periods for a while).

I would recommend letting your mom know what’s going on so that she can help you keep an eye on the situation.

Daniel asks…

HSV1 HSV2 vs. Shingles?

what exactly is shingles

and

since they call it herpes zoster is it related to hsv1 or hsv2
I wanted to mainly know if you had shingles and then sleep with a guy would you will give them hsv1or hsv2

my friend had shingles and then slept with a guy and then found out she had herpes 1 and 2, she told him and his g/f, his g/f got tested and only has type 2, he never got tested, did she give it to him since she had shingles before

admin answers:

In short, no. Shingles is different than HSV1 and HSV2. Having one does not give you the other.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection closely related to varicella zoster (chickenpox). When the immune system is compromised (AIDS, chronic steroid use, some cancers, etc) or under times of intense stress (which decreases the effectiveness of your immune system as well), the virus can reactivate. Your body never totally clears the virus because it hides in nerves cells. Thus, when it rears its ugly head again, it forms a rash on the skin that follows the path of the nerve. The rash is painful (burning pain) and can occur anywhere on the body. Shingles is NOT contagious, meaning if you are with or around someone with shingles, you will NOT get shingles. However, if you have NEVER had chickenpox before, you can get chickenpox from someone with shingles. Hope that wasn’t too confusing.

As another user posted, even though it’s called HERPES zoster, it is NOT herpes simplex (the STD). It is simply another, unique member of the herpes family of viruses.

Also, there has been no research that supports going vegetarian/vegan in anyway rids the body of the herpes zoster virus. Treatment is the same as HSV1 and HSV2 (same family after all!!!): acyclovir, which is an antiviral medication, NOT an antibiotic. Also included in treatment is pain control since shingles pain can SUCK. Don’t be alarmed if they prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant for the pain either. These drugs are often prescribed for pain that originates from and in nerves like shingles.

Rob, 4th year med student

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Joe Homps

Donna asks…

What kind of rash is this? the Doctor I went to have no idea?

It looks like shingles, minus the headache, nausea or other symptoms of shingles.
A very painful rash that spreads to one side of the body (much like shingles) but doesn’t have any of the other symptoms of shingles, it has like a mini rash (one spot) on the back which makes it even more painful, and I didn’t come in contact with anyone for a few months, so I couldn’t have gotten shingles because shingles is contagious and I didn’t came in contact with anyone.

What can it be?
if the doctors doesn’t know, what does it mean?

admin answers:

Shingles don’t have to have headache, nausea or even any symptoms. The most common symptom is pain. Stinging, shooting, burning, itching or aching in nature. Blistering rash is most typical following one or two of the dermatomes (spinal nerve distribution). This is why it is only one side from front to back or down one limb. You don’t get shingles from someone else who has it. You get it from a reactivation of your own chicken pox virus that you had as a kid.

Still sounds like you have shingles to me. Maybe the doc will refer you urgently to a dermatologist for evaluation. The sooner you treat the better. The rash goes away, but the pain can be long term if not (and even if) treated properly.

Jenny asks…

Medical question for a professional?

I have only recently developed Shingles and am finding it very painful & have seen a doctor & am talking Cyclovir but my question is this. Is this contagious & should I avoid my bowling league nights for a couple weeks to avoid possibly spreading this & should I avoid any sexual activity with my wife until this passes. Thanks. John

admin answers:

It is theoretically possible for a susceptible person to acquire chicken pox when exposed to a person with recent onset of shingles, however it is an uncommon event.

It is unlikely that you would cause another person to come down with shingles. If they did, it probably would be a coincidental case, not cause and effect. After a case of chicken pox, the varicella vaccine goes latent in a nerve root of the spinal cord or of the brain, usually the trigeminal nerve root ganglion. Why it reactivates to produce shingles is not completely clear.

Robert asks…

rash related to chicken pox that lasts 2 months to 2 years?

a neighbor girl in Kindergarden has these red bumps on her, a rash. her mom said it is ‘related’ to the chicken pox and is contagious and her pediatriation said they could last any time from 2 months to 2 years. (i cant remember what she said it was called, but do know she did NOT say shingles or that it was painful at all). however, even though it is contagious and it can last up till 2 years, her pedritian gave her a doctors note saying she ‘HAD’ to go to school, just keep the red marks/spots/bumps covered with bandaids. well i babysat for this little girl yesterday (no remarks on that please – i’m sorry now and feel bad enough) but anyway, now me and one of my daughters each have 1 of these little red bumps on us, mine doesn’t bother me and my daughter says hers hurts. Sooooo the question is: since I cant get ahold of the mom at the present time, does anybody know what the heck this is????????????? or where i can find additional information???????????

admin answers:

Well, It’s got to be shingles, or it could be due to nerve damage from the chicken pox-
The only other option for a rash on the face would not be something short of worrying about and that is:

Cellulitis (sel-u-LI-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Cellulitis appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot and tender, and it may spread rapidly.

Skin on lower legs is most commonly affected, though cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body or face. Infections on the face are more common in children and older adults. Cellulitis may affect only your skin’s surface — or, cellulitis may also affect tissues underlying your skin and can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.

Left untreated, the spreading infection may rapidly turn life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to seek immediate medical attention if cellulitis symptoms occur.

Mary asks…

Are shingles contagious?

If someone has shingles, can someone else he is in contact with get them?

admin answers:

Yes, if the person has any open wound and if they never had the chicken pox

Sandra asks…

Are shingles contagious?

My big guy has them on his stomach, he said his doctor said it is okay to “boom chicka wa wa” but I don’t think so. any advice?
So, since my daughter has not had chickenpox, she could get infected from him? Is it just through direct contact?

admin answers:

Shingles are a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, and YES shingles are contagious.

Shingles can be spread from an affected person to children or adults who have not had chickenpox. But instead of developing shingles, these people develop chickenpox. Once they have had chickenpox, people cannot catch shingles from someone else. Once infected people have the potential to develop shingles later in life. So if you havent had chickenpox before then BE CAREFUL.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Joe Homps

Mandy asks…

How common is it for a 23 month old to get shingles?

My son has shingles… What could be the CAUSE? I can’t find any information on babies with shingles! It must be EXTREMELY RARE!!! Could there be a serious reason for him contracting this? He did have the chicken pox vaccine at 12 months, but never had any bumps from it, & the shingles just showed up about 4 days ago. He IS on a viral medicine & a medicine for itching & I’m giving motrin for pain.

*Also I am 36 weeks pregnant & I am afraid my newborn will contract chicken pox from my sons shingles when he is born.

*PLEASE HELP ME FIGURE THIS OUT! ALL ANSWERS APPRECIATED AHEAD OF TIME. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. =) ~Worried Mommy

admin answers:

It used to never happen. But now, with the chickenpox vaccine, young children can get shingles. It’s really sad. 🙁

Shingles is only contagious (causing chickenpox) through direct contact with the blister fluid.

Your son will not be eligible for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program unless he suffers effects from this for more than 6 months, or he requires hospitalization AND surgery, or he dies. Http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/persons_eligible.htm

Nancy asks…

What can cause an infection without having any wounds?

I got over a potentially fatal infection on my outer ear (the shell) that sprung up in the course of a day (My ear got warm, turned red at 11am, turned purple, then grew mold-like blisters by 6pm) I developed a high fever and starting having severe joint pains and weakness–flu like symptoms. I was in the hospital for 4 nights and 5 days with constant anti-biotics. The skin on my ear hurt so bad that being touched by even my own hair, or a faint breeze caused excruciating pain.

The doctors said it might have been shingles, or a strep infection. But they couldn’t say for sure.
I had NO ear piercings at the time, NO cuts, and I didn’t have a normal ear infection beforehand.

Anyone have any idea what could have caused it?
Wow! Thank you both for your detailed answers! I donno who to pick as best, since they seem as if, together, they make the best answer to my question. You’re both the best!

admin answers:

You could have had congestion in your head from a virus or allergies that festered and grew into a breeding ground for a fungus or bacteria.

Edit: The outer ear is still inside. You are referring to the “pinna” or earlobes. That could be caused by a simple scrape or something under the epidermis. Microrganisms can get in from things not visible to the human eye. You must have came in contact with something really nasty. Glad you survived. That sounds really scary!

Maria asks…

What is going on with my Grandmother? (Health Question – Shingles?)?

My grandmother (age 82, god bless her) has been living alone for roughly 10-14 years now in her house, which is 50 years old itself. We visit her a lot but I’ve noticed a change in her overall health lately.

She began having itchy, flaky skin on her hands, arms and face over the past year after her roof was redone with fiberglass and I have a feeling that it might be harming her, but the doctors say that isn’t the cause. They simply dismiss it as shingles, but when we tried every remedy for shingles in the book, nothing has worked.

Her hands are covered in scaly skin that itches her something terrible! All of the lotions and antibiotics and such that the doctors have prescribed for her are NOT working and they have NO IDEA what it is. It’s very frustrating and when I see her in this kind of pain I just want to help her in any way that I can and i have no idea how to.

It clears up a little bit here and there but it always comes back and sometimes she can’t even sleep because it itches so badly.

I would like some ideas on how I can go about helping my grandmother and what exactly could be causing this problem for her.

Any help would be very much appreciated. We have a VERY hard time getting her to go to the doctor’s office and she’s stubborn as a mule, so home remedies are very much preferred!

admin answers:

First of all,since u grandmother suffers from itchy and flaky skin,I think that this problem is mainly caused by environment factors where ur grandmother’s skin reacts to the lack of moisture in the air.When temperatures drop along with humidity levels, protective moisture is easily lost from the surface of the skin, particularly if you live in a home with dry heat without a humidifier to normalize moisture levels in the air. If this is the case, you may want to add a humidifier to your bedroom to raise ambient moisture levels. If you can afford it, keep a humidifier in several rooms of your home. Not only will this help flaky, itchy skin, it can also reduce your risk of developing colds and flu by keeping your mucous membranes moist.However,since it is difficult to diagnose what ur grandma’s problem is,I would recommend these homemade remedies that would work best to heal and improve her skin condition.Try these steps at home and it would bring improvements.

-Soaked almonds are good to keep the skin moist. One can have them everyday. Soak two almonds in a glass bowl in the night. Peel and eat them in the morning. They help a lot to keep the skin moist.

-You can rub milk cream on the skin before going to bath. It is very rich and makes the skin replenish its lost moister.

-Oil massages your body in winters to remove the dryness and to protect the skin with the changed weather condition.Baby oil, vitamin E oil and olive oil are good options for body massage.
-Mixture of almond oil and olive oil is extremely good for very dry flaky skin.

-Take a bottle of glycerin and add few drops of lemon juice to it. Shake it well and apply it on the dry skin. You can keep it overnight also on the skin and wash it in the morning.
-Aloe vera cream is a very healing cream for flaky skin. It has soothing agents, which repair the damaged skin tissues and repair it from the damage skin gets from dryness. If you have lost the moisture of your skin, apply pure aloe-Vera cream on your body to soothe it.

Well,these are those homemade remedies that u could do at home to improve her skin.Plus,these are gentle remedies so it would work effective on her gently.It would work to any dry flaky skin and u would observe improvement,really.Good luck trying these at homes.Sorry for the lengthy details though.Hope this helps:-)

P/s:However,I would think it is still best for u to get a skin specialist to diagnose ur grandmother.It would be easier to improve the chance of her healing and plus,u could avoid any wrong medication on her.Try to get a doctor to visit her at home.I’m sure some doctor would do that for her.Do remember bout the remedies I suggested okay.Good luck:-)

Sandy asks…

Have you ever heard of shingles vaccine?

I wanted to know can anyone explain what this is and does it work on herpes if you already have it and is it a cure for herpes or does it take away from the out breaks of herpes?cause i have never heard of it till now someone please educate me on the shingles vaccine.

admin answers:

No, it does not work for herpes, it works to help prevent shingles.

Charles asks…

What is the best treatment for PHN?

PHN is nerve damage caused by long term shingles. I have a lot of pain but the doctors keep prescribing medicines that dont work

admin answers:

There is a new drug called neurontrin or something it suppose to help eliviate the pain. But I recommend Vicodnie, Lidocain patch, and Valium.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Joe Homps

Betty asks…

What causes 16 year old asphalt shingles that have a 20 year warranty to curl up on their ends?

Is there a temperature that makes these shingles curl? It is weird because I have an addition on my house that is 30 years old and had shingles put on it and they are 30 years old and they have not curled! But the shingles on my original building have. What gives?

admin answers:

They say poor attic venting causing heat build up can make them curl. I have noticed that some will curl up within 15 years and other homes with the same venting last 30 years. I think there are different batches made with different quality levels, so it’s a crap shoot as to when they curl or not. Some curl up and some curl under, and other never curl. All you can do is replace them.

Charles asks…

How many shingles will it take to roof my house?

I want to purchase my own materials and as such, I need to know how many shingles to buy.

admin answers:

Hire a good roofer. Check Angie’s List and ask your city Bldng. Dept. Who is good.
If you have never done a roof, you are going to learn the hard way what real work really is. Have you ever seen a fat man on top of a roof working for a professional roofing company? If you did, that was the boss, who quit roofing years ago but is just checking the work. They’re all very very thin.
It is VERY dangerous work as well. If you’re not confident walking a roof, forget it. Have you been up there yet and tried walking it? If it has a sharp pitch, it’s harder.

Laura asks…

What color shingles would look good with unpainted cypress siding?

I’m renovating my house and trying to decide what color dimensional shingles would look good on the house once I reside it with cypress siding. I will leave the wood it’s natural color and just finish it with a clear protective coat.

admin answers:

Red

Jenny asks…

What should one do after being exposed to shingles?

A few days ago, I visited my grandparents, then I found out that my grandma has shingles, yesterday. While I did not touch her, I am an amateur magician and did a coin trick for her and she DID touch my coin that I brought with me to do the magic trick with. Could I get shingles from that and if so, what would the symptoms be? As of right now, I’m feeling okay, so is there a chance that I won’t come down with shingles at all?

admin answers:

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, so if you’ve already had chicken pox and are otherwise in good health, you are unlikely to get shingles.

Http://familydoctor.org/574.xml

Donald asks…

How do you figure how many bundles of shingles you need to cover your roof?

What is the formula to figure the amount of shingles you need to cover your roof? Since you have to have ridge cap shingles and regular shingles I need to know the formula to buy my supplies.Insurance didn’t cover it all,so doing it ourselves.

admin answers:

Here is the link to another thread on the same issue. Some good answers there. Hope this helps.

Http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060701170119AAgID6P

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Joe Homps

Steven asks…

Can shingles during pregnancy be harmful? How do I keep my children from getting chickenpox?

I am 36 weeks pregnant and for the past week have had a small painful rash on my side at the waist. It has blistered. Everyone I have showed it to believes it’s shingles but I won’t know until I go to my dr. in two days. If it turns out to be shingles, how do I keep my 3 and 5 year old from getting chickenpox? Is this harmful to my unborn child? What medicines can be taken?

admin answers:

If you have shingles, your kids are already exposed, so you can’t do anything about it. You should get them vaccinated. But it’s not a big deal in kids (just for the pregnant mom who has to care for them.)

It can be very serious if you have shingles in pregnancy. You can be given acyclovir, which apparently won’t hurt the baby. Being later in pregnancy is better.

Your baby could be born with chicken pox, depending on when you deliver.

The third link below includes a picture.

Donald asks…

Shingles & Pregnancy question……?

Daughter is early 20’s and pregnant, was sent home from work, was told she might have Shingles. All the information that I’ve read, there is nothing on what having this during pregnancy will do to the unborn baby. Does anyone have any info for me or can point me to a web site that mentions this?I’ve been to the Mayo Clinic and WebMD websites already. Thanks……
She had Chicken Pox when she was a child.

admin answers:

From NHS direct:
If you are pregnant and get shingles, your risk of getting pneumonia is increased. If you get chickenpox while you are pregnant there is a very small risk (1-2%) that your baby will be affected. If you get shingles while you are pregnant, the risk of your baby being affected is even lower than if you get chickenpox.

Get your daughter to see her doctor.

Lizzie asks…

Is shingles during pregnancy dangerous?

I am 30 weeks pregnant, and have a shingles outbreak on my right arm for about a week now. I had chickenpox when I was little, so I’m immune. What risks (if any) does my baby have?

admin answers:

Varicella Zoster virus is the cause of chickenpox AND shingles. They are really two stages of one disease. With the initial infection, we get the chickenpox. After that stage of the disease runs it course, the VZV travels up the nerve and waits. It may never get reactivated. If it does, it can happen at any age although it is more common in the elderly. Reactivation causes the virus to travel down the nerve towards the skin and cause the second stage of the disease (shingles).

It would probably be important for the patch of skin on your arm with the shingles be covered to prevent transmitting the VZV. Now, since you already had an initial infection with VZV you have various antibodies to VZV and you will pass them on to your infant (or at least the IgG VZV antibodies) who will carry them for around 3-6 months, perhaps a bit longer, before they disappear. This can provide SOME protection for your baby. But it would probably behoove you to keep your arm covered when carrying your child until s/he can be vaccinated.

I would advise, in your case, to perhaps give your child the VZV vaccine to your baby at 6 months and not 9 months as may be the case where you live. Ask your pediatrician about this. And be sure that your pregnancy care team is aware of your shingles (whether you have an outbreak at the time of delivery or not)

Maria asks…

shingles during pregnancy?

I am now 29 wks. and about a month ago got shingles wich from what Iam told is caused from the chicken pox virus. Anyway it has cleared up, but I still have pain on the nerve it attacked. Has anyone had this during pregnancy and how long did it take to stop hurting?

admin answers:

I had shingles when I was 16 weeks pregnant. I had had them my freshman year in college and they reappeared during my pregnancy. They attacked a nerve on the left side of my neck. I got put on prednisone and zofrax (i think thats what it was called). They went away within 3 days. The pain stayed for awhile, but was not as constant. It felt more like I slept on my neck wrong forever. There are some compresses and massages that will help to alleviate it a bit, but sometimes it felt like that was just superficial. I got some pain meds from my OB that would not hurt the baby that I could take when I was having it bad. I am now 33 weeks and I have not had pain in about 2 months. Hope this helps.

Also, I was told that there is no risk to the pregnancy and having shingles. My OB had a sister who actually got them constantly in pregnancy. Since it is due to your immune system being surpressed and sometimes stress, it just causes discomfort to you. There is no reason to see a specialist or be considered high risk as long as they have gone away.

Chris asks…

PLEASE HELP?? I need more info on Shingles and pregnancy? How dangerous is it?

My hubby was taking care of his g-father who had come down with the shingles and has had these for atleast a month now! However, we recently found out that I am pregnant 8wks and heard that I should not have any contact with someone who has shingles. we called the obygn today, and asked how dangerous this was, even though I have NOT been around the g-father since he has had the shingles. However, my hubby has been going & helping him with things he needed done & stuff. The g-father also has a daughter that lives w/ him (she has down syndrome). But she has come to our house many times since to eat dinner or just to spend the day w/ us to give the g-father a break. How dangerous is it to have her here while I am pregnant or how dangerous is it that my hubby goes or has been helping out his g-father. We called the dr. today & she said that she highly recommend my hubby not to be in contact w/ the g-father, w/ me being pregnant. Can some1 please explain to me the dangerous.
I dont know ANYTHING about the shingles or what it can do to a pregnant women and/or her unborn child. Can someone please help with giving my hubby and I some more info on this!! Thank you!!

admin answers:

Shingles is caused by the same virus as Chicken pox. What happens is this. After you have the chicken pox, the virus hangs out in your body. If it is ever released into the blood stream, you will get shingles, which is much worse. You have to have physical contact with the sores to contract the disease (just like chicken pox) So if your husband takes care of the g-father, and washes his hands before touching you, you should be fine.

Here’s an article I found
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/women-shingles

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Joe Homps

Sharon asks…

fafsa………?

Okay, I’ve already started my fafsa application. But, I didn’t finish cause I had to wait for them to email me my pins. Now, I have my pin number but, everytime I go back to continue my fafsa application that page takes a super long time to load… (and this is before I enter my pin number)….Right now, I have the page loading and Its been like an hour or soo….

Is fafsa really that busy…or is my computer that slow?? And how am I going to finish my application if the page takes long to load???

admin answers:

Must be your computer, are you on Dial? I just tried, typed in FAFSA application and got one right away. The next time you get it down load it, print it out and fill it in manually. Thousand of dollars in aid were not used last year because students never finished filling out their applications. It would be worth it to go to your library to get the application.
Remember to apply for as many college grants as you can. You could end up with enough college grants for all your tuition fees and maybe more. Good Luck

Linda asks…

Fafsa???????????????

Hi am i eligible for the fafsa If I’m a Canadian student in high school,with divorced parents, pretty poor, and planning to go to the university of Manitoba?

admin answers:

Schools.medianewsonline.com – it has detailed info how to apply for financial aid and scholarships to get more cash.

Joseph asks…

FAFSA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

HI, what should i do if i put in an email into the fafsa application for last year, that i dont currently have, will they send all of the renewal information to the wrong one? what is the best way to notify them as soon as possible, and have them send it to the right email adresss? i only have a few days till jan 1, and thats when i need to send it in.
thanks

admin answers:

Go to the fafsa website online and complete a new application or you can change information online. However if you don’t have your code you will have to request it online and they will send it to an email address or by mail you get to choose. Just go online to change it.

Ruth asks…

I am filling out my FAFSA and was wondering how to calculate income tax?

When i get to the point in my FAFSA where it asks to enter the income tax, I entered the amount of income I made in 2007 but it says that that’s wrong. How do I calculate income tax without doing my taxes? I won’t receive my W2’s for another few weeks and I want to get my FAFSA done now. Help?

admin answers:

It’s better if you wait until you receive your W-2 but if not, just look at your last pay stub it will be there. Your total wages for the year, it must be your LAST paystub of 2007. If more then one job just add them together.

Make sure you use whole dollar amounts, FAFSA won’t accept cents, so round it up if needed!

Paul asks…

How does FAFSA figure the financial aid you should receive?

I just completed my FAFSA. I’ve lived on my own for two years but I still need my parents tax information, which I think is ridiculous. Does anybody know how they figure what you are able to receive in financial aid?
Well, I’ve already done all this. I’ve done my parents tax information, and mine. I just don’t understand how they assume that if you’re under 25, you still need your parents tax information.

admin answers:

The dependency requirements were decided on by Congress when they originally built the financial aid model. They believe that parents have a responsibility toward helping their children attain their first degree. That is why it is ridiculous. Ridiculous to think that your parents should help! I agree it does hurt a small faction of students though where the parents are ridiculous and refuse to cooperate with the FAFSA information.

Anyhow. The FAFSA collects information about your family size, number of people attending college, income earned and investment values and spits out a number called the EFC (Estimated Family Contribution). This is the number that decides whether you are Pell grant eligible, and is used by the Aid office to determine your overall need and awards. I’m not going to get into the formula… It makes my head hurt and its been a long week.

Give your Aid office a week after you have filed your FAFSA then talk to them about when you can expect an awards letter. If you have already been accepted, or deposited with admissions, the award letter should come pretty soon after they have a chance to process it.

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