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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Joe Homps

Jenny asks…

What are the symptoms of shingles ?

admin answers:

Herpes zoster, colloquially known as shingles, is the reactivation of varicella zoster virus, leading to a crop of painful blisters over the area of a dermatome. In Italy and in Malta, it is sometimes referred to as St. Anthony’s fire. It occurs very rarely in children and adults, but its incidence is high in the elderly (over 60), as well as in any age group of immunocompromised patients. It affects some 500,000 people per year in the United States. Treatment is generally with antiviral drugs such as aciclovir. Many patients develop a painful condition called postherpetic neuralgia which is often difficult to manage.

In some patients, herpes zoster can reactivate subclinically with pain in a dermatomal distribution without rash. This condition is known as zoster sine herpete and may be more complicated, affecting multiple levels of the nervous system and causing multiple cranial neuropathies, polyneuritis, myelitis, or aseptic meningitis

Steven asks…

Has anyone ever heard of getting shingles in your vaginia?

Pain is only one one side with 1 open sore inside the vagina. All symptoms of shingles are there that also mimic herpes. But there is no more than that one lesion in the same spot. Anyone ever heard of this?

admin answers:

You need to see your doctor. You don’t have shingles there. You have genital herpes and need to be on medication to prevent spread of the viral infection. Wash your hands really well after using the restroom and do not have sex while you have lesions.

David asks…

i am being treated for shingles but have never had a rash but have all the other symptoms?

i have pain in lower left rib area and my clothes make my skin sensitive i have had the pain for 3 months and have 1 round of acycolvir 800mg 5 times daily for 1 week. along with pain meds that i take only at night because of work. what else can i do? is it possible not to have a rash?

admin answers:

I Just Got over shingles right before school started and ihad one heck of a rash and they gave me meds for the pain are you itchy at all ? When i got shingles it caused my skin to break out in little itchy bumps at the same time that i had the shingles i got a rash under the arm pit and in that area umm if your itcy maybe use some hydrocortizone to stop the ictchy for a while

Helen asks…

Symptoms of Shingles…Should I Be Looking for Anything?

A relative of mine just found out she has shingles; my family visited her on Friday. I’m wondering if I could’ve gotten it from her, and if there is that possibility what I should be looking for.

(oh yea, they said chicken pocks has something to do with it, I’ve never had it)

admin answers:

You could posibly get chicken pox, but not singles from her. Shingles are usually around your rib cage – can be on your face. Start out with pain that feels like it’s inside you, then you get little bumps that are usually together and about the size of a quarter. Did you touch her? You would just about have to touch one of the spots to get chicken pox. You are probably ok

Linda asks…

what are the first symptoms of shingles?

admin answers:

My mom has it rite now.

She thought she had burnt herself on the heating pad. It started off as a rash that hurt real bad. She laid on the heating pad and it got worse. The rash looked like 3rd degree burns. Before we knew it was shingles, I told her to get her heating pad checked… Thats how bad it looked.

Nerve pain follows and I believe it last quite a while.

Good luck and I hope you feel better.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Joe Homps

Linda asks…

Why do we have to look at pictures of shingles everytime we ask a question?

admin answers:

Http://www.doyletics.com/images/shingles.jpg

u called?

Donna asks…

I would like to see pictures of Shingles adult chicken pox. what does it look like?

admin answers:

Shingles are very painful – do a google or yahoo search for shingles and you will see tons of pictures of them

Sandy asks…

can teennagers get vaccine for shingles?

I have chicken pox and have read and seen pictures of shingles and I’m terrified to get them when I’m older, is there any way to avoid getting shingles?

admin answers:

The best way to prevent shingles is to get exposed to chickenpox as often as you can. So if you hear of anyone you know, child or adult, who has chickenpox, go visit them! An exposure every few years is probably enough to provide strong protection.

“Dr. Frank,” a shingles vaccine already exists. Http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM132831.pdf It is for people 60 years and older. And here is the actual reason why the UK does not vaccinate routinely for chickenpox.
Http://pmj.bmj.com/content/82/967/351.abstract
“In the UK vaccination is not done because introduction of a routine childhood vaccination might drive up the age at which those who are non-immune get the illness (chickenpox tends to be more severe the older you are), and the incidence of shingles may increase. The United Kingdom is waiting to see what happens in countries where vaccination is routine.”

By the way, the incidence of shingles has increased in the United States since the chickenpox vaccine was licensed.

Also, “Dr. Frank,” there is a monovalent varicella vaccine, http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM142812.pdf and it is actually used more often than the MMRV in the United States, because it was found that the MMRV caused twice as many seizures than when the MMR and varicella vaccine were given separately, in the same visit. Http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vsd/mmrv.htm

Thomas asks…

what are shingles? and are there any pictures of them that i can see?

admin answers:

Shin·gles ( P ) (shngglz)

pl.n. (used with a sing. Or pl. Verb)

An acute viral infection characterized by inflammation of the sensory ganglia of certain spinal or cranial nerves and the eruption of vesicles along the affected nerve path. It usually strikes only one side of the body and is often accompanied by severe neuralgia. Also called herpes zoster.

PICTURES: http://images.google.com/images?q=shingles&hl=en

Betty asks…

What color of shingles do I go with on a blond brick house? Pictures would be very welcome! Thanks!?

admin answers:

I think black shingles would really make your house pop & stand out. Saw designers paint shingles and door black on HGTV…

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Joe Homps

Steven asks…

What’s shingles, what does it do? Is it contagious?

admin answers:

Chicken pox in adults
Shingles is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus responsible for these conditions is called the Varicella zoster virus (VZV). After an individual has chickenpox, this virus lives in the nervous system and is never fully cleared from the body. Under certain circumstances, such as emotional stress, immune deficiency (from AIDS or chemotherapy), or with cancer, the virus reactivates causing shingles. In most cases, however, a cause for the reactivation of the virus is never found. Anyone who has ever had chickenpox is at risk for the development of shingles, although it occurs most commonly in people over the age of 60. It has been estimated that up to 500,000 cases of shingles occur each year in the U.S.

Shingles is contagious to people that have not previously had chickenpox, as long as there are new blisters forming and old blisters healing. Once all of the blisters are crusted over, the virus can no longer be spread.

Lisa asks…

advice on how to deal with shingles?

been to the doc told i have shingles. anyone ever had them before? are they as contagious as chickenpox?

admin answers:

Yes very, an old remedy that my grandma had me do was put hot tea bags on them the tea draws the itching out. Sounds crazy but it does work. And did your Dr. Tell you that you can get them over again? Talk to him and get the shingle shot after you are done with them. Shingles can also be very dangerous if they get on your face can cause blindness. Take care hope you fell better soon.

Robert asks…

My sister has a terrible case of shingles on her face, how long will it last?

When is it at it’s most contagious?

admin answers:

The rash starts off as red spots, which quickly turn into blisters. They always affect only one side of the body (left or right) and never cross the midline. This is because they come out on the area of skin which is supplied by one particular nerve.

The rash may affect any part of the body, including head and limbs. It may thus appear as a band around one side of the chest or abdomen, or down an arm or leg. It may affect the head, and when it affects the upper cheek or the side of the forehead it may also affect the eye. You should certainly see your doctor if you have shingles affecting the side of the head, and especially if it seems to affect the tip of your nose or the eye itself.

It is usually a very painful rash, and typically people can’t bear clothes touching the affected area.

The blisters burst and crust over, usually within a week and the area slowly settles, sometimes leaving pale scars. The pain may settle as quickly as the rash, but unfortunately some people are left with pain affecting that area for many months or even years (Post herpetic neuralgia).

Most people are surprised by how ill they feel with shingles. This seems out of proportion with the extent of the skin involved. There is a general debility and exhaustion, sometimes with aches and pains and sometimes a mild fever. Depression is often a feature of shingles, as in many other viruses. You may need up to three weeks off work.

It is not contagious but someone who has NOT HAD CHICKENPOX can catch it from someone with SHINGLES. This can happen only while the blisters are visable and until they have all burst and are dry.
You can only get shingles if you have had chickenpox and it comes from within your own body from the same virus that caused the chickenpox.

Maria asks…

Is the Shingle virus contagious?

My son was diagnosed with the shingle virus 3 weeks ago.I was diagnosed 12 years ago.His is in his leg.Mine is in my facial nerve.I now have Bells Palsy so I cant move my face on one side.After treating his on his leg I ended up with it reactivating in my system.I refuse to go to the Doctor,been there done that.It took longer to heal on their meds.This is my third time to have it.On meds 6 months,without 2 months.I am not a medical Doctor so if you dont know what your dealing with than its best to go to one.There has also been a few other people in my area where I live with it.That’s what someone told me anyhow.

admin answers:

Yes it is contagious and it never really goes away (it is a form of herpes) however it is massively unlikely to spread when it is in recession and/or not showing symptoms.

Sandy asks…

I am a nurse diagnosed with shingles. Is it ok to go to work? I have been on Valtrex for 3 days.?

All of the research I have found talks about it only being contagious to those not having chickenpox. It doesn’t address the need to stay away from people in general.
I just finished school and have been a nurse for a whole 2 weeks. Plus, I don’t work in infectious disease. I was hoping to get an answer from a more experienced nurse.

admin answers:

I am a nurse and you can not give shingles to anyone. People than have not been exposed to varicella or chicken pox could be at risk.check out www.web md .com

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Joe Homps

Sandy asks…

Is Herpes zoster is a sexual disease?

Is Herpes zoster is a sexual disease?How does it spread if it’s not sexual?

admin answers:

No, it isn’t. Herpes zoster, more commonly known as “zona zoster” is a viral disease caused by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Adults and children who’ve already had chickenpox and come into contact with the virus, develop zona zoster along a nerve. The virus is airborne, it enters the body through the nose or mouth, travels and settles along a nerve where it may stay dormant for some time. In spite of its name, it has no connection to the herpes virus.

John asks…

How to get relief from post herpes zoster? please adivse.?

My mother is suffering from herpes zoster since last 14 months.The effected area is left eye and forehead. There is no wound but there is still pain, burning and elergy.

admin answers:

The condition your mother has is called Post herpetic Neuralgia.
Postherpetic neuralgia results when nerve fibers are damaged during an outbreak of shingles. Damaged fibers aren’t able to send messages from your skin to your brain as they normally do. Instead, the messages become confused and exaggerated, causing chronic, often excruciating pain that may persist for months — or even years — in the area where shingles first occurred.

This complication of shingles occurs much more frequently in older adults. Less than 10 percent of people younger than 60 develop postherpetic neuralgia after a bout of shingles, while about 40 percent of people older than 60 do.

If you do develop postherpetic neuralgia, see your doctor right away. Finding an effective treatment to relieve the pain can sometimes be frustrating. You may have to work with your doctor and sometimes other specialists to try a variety of treatments before you find something that helps.

Treatment suggestions from Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postherpetic-neuralgia/DS00277/DSECTION=5

Nancy asks…

Is herpes zoster contagious ?

my wife has developed herpes zoster on her right side of stomach , just below her breast , so my question is it tranismitted through kissing and sexual activities ?

admin answers:

What your wife has is known as shingles. It’s a viral condition caused by the same virus that causes the chicken pox. If you have never had the chicken pox, you could catch the chicken pox from her. If you *have* had the chicken pox, you can’t “catch” shingles (although you could develop it independently).

Joseph asks…

Herpes zoster and scarring?

17 year old with herpes zoster and does anyone know if you get scarring after the rash is gone?? And if i do get scars would mederma help? or vitamen e?

admin answers:

The best and only remedy I have found is on the site below. Check it out. Goodluck.

Betty asks…

Will herpes zoster increases diabetes mellitus.tel me the relation of diabetesmelitus with herpes zoster.Fast?

will the diabetes become uncontrolled due to herpes zoster.Explain me fast

admin answers:

Any illness will cause insulin resistance, increasing blood sugar.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Joe Homps

Laura asks…

A contractor leaves his tools outside overnight, on our property. they are stolen. who’s responsible?

Ok the contactors started on our roof friday, got partway done, then they started putting on shingles on saturday. On saturday, they told us they would finish tommorow (that is today) and they never showed up. There is a ladder, a bunch of shingles, a air compressor, and a few other small tools. If they get stolen, who is responsible? Its not our fault they didn’t show up today! So who is responsible? it’s their tools, on our property. We never signed anything about keeping them on our property. thanks

admin answers:

There is such a concept as “contributory negligence” which means if they left their tools where someone could steal them it is their own fault. You would not want to touch the tools in case you might damage them in some way. They must look out for their own property.

John asks…

Are we entitled to our earnest money?

My husband and I decided to buy a house, and signed a purchase agreement, putting $500 down as earnest money. Everything went good, an appraiser was supposed to be there today to look at the house. However, last week a wind storm ripped through our town with 100 mph winds and tore the shingles and everything off the house, leaving plywood exposed to 2 inches of rain. We had already paid an inspector $300 to inspect the home. We cancelled our purchase agreement and decided not to buy the house based on the damage that was sustained, and the possible damage the rain would have caused with the house exposed. I took pictures of houses next to it that would have endured the exact same wind, and there was ZERO damage done to any of them. They are refusing to return our earnest money, and I think we are entitled to it. The house is not in the same condition as it was when we signed the purchase agreement, and we have no idea how much damage the exposure to the rain caused. Is the sheetrock wet? Are the walls going to be moldy because of the moisture? I’ve decided that I will take them to court if they refuse to return our money…but will a court see it the same way that we do? Are we entitled to our earnest money?
Our buyer’s agent says that we should be entitled to the money, but since they are refusing, there isn’t much she can do about it.
I get that their insurance company should cover the damages, and they have fixed the roof. However, how are we supposed to know as a consumer that they aren’t completely screwing us over and that there is more damage done to the walls, etc. All they fixed was the roof, but I have a hard time believing that with rain that flooded our town that the house didn’t sustain any other damage!
chatsplas – I don’t believe for one second that you are any kind of an attorney, let alone an attorney specializing in real estate. No attorney is THAT unprofessional. Yes, I did read the contract. Yes, I realize that it states we get our earnest money back in the event that we could not obtain a loan. However, I signed that contract based on the house BEFORE it sustained damage. The house they are selling me now is NOT the same house I signed a purchase agreement for, no matter how much ‘fixing’ they do on the house.

admin answers:

Do you have the “subject to inspection” clause in your contract? This allow you to withdraw the contract if you don’t satisfy with the inspection. After the incident, the seller should disclose ALL damages (inside and outside) to you. You take those info to an attorney to see if you should withdraw from that point. You also have to inspect the roof again to see if they did a quality work, if you find anything wrong, you can use that reason to withdraw. If the sheetrock was damaged, request them to replace it. You have all the right to request the seller to fix everything to the previous condition before you buy unless it state “AS IS’ on the contract. Then it’ll be “take it or leave it” after inspection.

Lucky you just put $500 as deposit. It’s not too much to lose.

Linda asks…

Are we entitled to our earnest money?

It does say in the purchase agreement that we are entitled to our earnest money if we are unable to get a loan on the house.
get that their insurance company should cover the damages, and they have fixed the roof. However, how are we supposed to know as a consumer that they aren’t completely screwing us over and that there is more damage done to the walls, etc. All they fixed was the roof, but I have a hard time believing that with rain that flooded our town that the house didn’t sustain any other damage!

admin answers:

Make sure you read over the Purchase Agreement. If they aren’t giving you back your money, I would bet there is something in there stating that they don’t have to, wether you think you are entitled to it or not.

Ken asks…

can anyone tell me whats wrong with me?

ok, today i got a massive headache. but before that, my vision was screwed up. as in, i couldnt see anything on the left side. my mom took me home, but i threw up in her car AND at home. then i started dry heaving. when that was over, i took MORE ibuprofien and then took a nap. when i woke up, i was better, but not fully cured. now i am pretty okay but still have a throbbing head. what happened to me? this has only happened once before. the exact same thing, but my vision was messed up on the right side. and THAT was only about 2 weeks ago. any help? the order in which the occur is:
-bad vision
-horrible headache
-vomiting
-dry heaving
-take a nap
-wake up with throbbing head

OH! and ive only had them AFTER i got shingles. ((and im only 13)) the doctor said i was one of the youngest cases he has ever seen, so that might be a sign.

and that order is the same as the last time.

PLEASE!! tell me what it is and how to help it…

i cant take another one!!
ill explode.

and please be kind. if you dont know the answer, DONT bother. only if you can help me answer. dont waste my time.

admin answers:

I’m not a Doc – but did anything bring it on – like a scare (this could be just a thought long shot) could it be a panic attack?

Has anything changed in the last two weeks (change of washing powder) allergic reaction?

Has anyone else in the home got the same symptoms? (I’m thinking carbon monoxide here) (if you have gas heating/or cooker)

Please excuse this question – but are you close to any strong smelling glue or have you tried glue sniffing lately? (sorry about asking such a personal question)

any of the above could cause such reactions – and they are questions to ask yourself that may lead to an answer

I do hope that you don’t suffer anymore attacks and wish you well

Barry

Sharon asks…

Swollen Tragus Piercing? Please read on…?

I got my tragus pierced on Tuesday and its now Saturday. I’ve had a problem in the past with getting my lobes done, I’ve had infections every time&thats about 5 times so I’ve given up on those.

But my tragus was doing okay until yesterday (Friday) when it became swollen and sore and came to the point where my bar was getting stuck to my ear and was very painful to turn it&get it unstuck from my ear. It started to bleed a little but so far, I’ve seen no pus or any sign of infection, although it does feel like I’m going to get one…

I’ve had lots of experience in infections since I was younger, with my ears&my eye so I can feel when an infection is coming on…

I think I’m doing the right things.
– Twisting my piercing
– Cleaning it three times a day in a salt water solution
– I’ve got saline solution I’ve just started using

I’ve been told by a relative to put an ice cube on it for a while to reduce the swelling but I’m not quite sure…

I also have 800mg Aciclovir Tablets I recently got on prescription from my doctor to treat shingles&I have plenty left. I’m not quite sure whether taking them would help reduce swelling but I think I have an infection, I just don’t want it to spread.

Any advice for what I can do? Its very painful&swollen…
Please note: I am 14 years old

admin answers:

Well i got mine pierced new years day
and mine grew a bump on the outside of my ear, so it was difficult to turn it as well.
What i did that helped a lot was i used Dr. Pierce: http://www.enailsupply.com/ProductImages/abc/jewelry/180105.jpg
which i got the day of the piercing.
And then after using that for a while with a Q-Tip, i used Rubbing Alcohol.
It stung, and i ended up bleeding because I think i popped it but it helped relief the pain and i no longer have the infection that i think i had to begin with.

Goodluck!
🙂

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Joe Homps

George asks…

what are the cause of shingles?

medical knowledge of shingles

admin answers:

The virus chicken pox, puts a marker in your body to be able to produce the shingles; which is an older form of chicken pox. Shingles are brought on by that marker of chicken pox being activated by stress. My brother in-law had chicken pox when he was young, and he was 25 when he got the shingles. He has autism and is very high anxiety, so the doctor said that stress triggered the chicken pox virus that was in his body from when he first got chicken pox.

Sharon asks…

How to treat swollen eye caused by shingles?

I’ve got shingles all over the right side of my face. Because of this, the area around my right eye has swollen up shutting my eye shut. Is there anyway I can relieve this? I’ve seen the doctor, they said everything is fine, the eye it self is not infected…

I’m using ice packs at the moment… Is this sensible? Is there a better way to “treat” this?
I am already receiving the aciclovir tablets as treatment… I was just wondering if I could treat the swelling…

admin answers:

I know personally how painful this is,I had shingle that was completely missed by old and wise doctor,who incidentally started the practice I was sent away and told to see if there is any change in two weeks,however the pain got so bad that I went back to the doc`s and saw my regular doctor a young Irish guy who I really liked and in whom I had complete confidence,he immediately identified the rash as shingles gave me a prescription for some pills and made me promise to take the whole course.Now here`s the point these tablets are very very expensive,and doctors are loth to prescribe them on the N.H.S But believe me they worklike a steam train I felt relief after a matter of an hour or so,also they definately prevent any damage to nerve endings.My father had shingles years ago before this kind of treatment was around and spent the rest of his 45 years of life scratching the irritation on his face and head.So insist on the proper treatment!

Linda asks…

how to see if shingles is cured?

if the blisters is gone and new skin is being produce is it the end of the shingles, cause chinese physicians said i cant eat any meat and morning afternoon night all i eat is bread bread bread. can i eat meat now?
and im having puberty now if i dont eat is it bad?

admin answers:

Ahh shingles is large scale herpes you never get rid of it.it goes away for awhile but it’ll be back. It also could be a form of Morgellons desease. Always eat well and get plenty of rest..eat vegies

Ken asks…

Shingles just blew off my house in a bad storm,what should I do with them,can i repair?Will more damage happen

about 5 – 3ft shingles blew off my roof in a bad storm. There is a break in the storm right now. Is this something I can repair myself or should i make an insurance claim? Also will having those shingles off cause damage if more of the storm passes over?

admin answers:

1- The damage can be repaired.
2- You can make an insurance claim.
3- I wouldn’t try it myself because it’s not easy.
Here are some items of consideration:
If you have 2 or 3 layers of shingles on now you need a roof replacement.
Remove all layers of shingles down to the bare sheeting (wood).
Replacement shingles should be to building code. For example, in central New Jersey where I was a homeowner for more than 30 years in a house built in the 1930’s, we had to re-roof the whole house. Up to 100 miles of the Atlantic coast, the shingles had to have a rating the would stand up to 100 mile-an-hour winds. ( contractor had half the roof done with 80mph shingles and had to redo (called the building inspector
after I read the label in the bundles of shingles).
Check everything and let a “Good” professional do the job.
Good Luck ! ! !

Richard asks…

What are the causes of shingles and how are they treated.?

The pains are worsening every day. From right under the right arm pit down the right side of my body (especially at my waist and lower back area) continuning down myright leg.

admin answers:

Stress and over-work cause the virus to activate.Try a warm compress with 100% natural aromatherapy oil in Chamomile.You can blend in geranium and lavender as well.This works also for a massage blend with some olive oil. Use about 8 drops of cham. And if you use one or both of the others, use 3 drops each.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 10, 2011 by Joe Homps

Ruth asks…

Shingles on face?

shingles is a neuropathic pain. It was the worst pain (or torture if you wanna call it) I had to go through in my life, as if I was being hit by a hammer on my head and eyes 24 hours a day.I could have gotten blind if from it. I had it when I was 16. Now, I am reading information about shingles on the internet, it states that usually Older people get shinglesHowever, Because I had shingles already before when I was 16, Does that Mean without a doubt, I am destined to get it again when I am 40 or 50 or 60 years old,as I get older? The pain I had from the shingles scared and left a FEAR in me that has never gone away. Im afraid to get it again and I dont think Id want to live through it.
Is it without a doubt It will be awaken again in the future?(shakes in fear)

admin answers:

????????????

Thomas asks…

Why Did god create shingles?

Shingles are bad,,..SHINGLES ARE WAYYYY BAD.
Why God made them I have no Clue.
I had them once when I was 14, the worst Pain….EVER. I had them in my ear and eye area, the worst places you could have THEM, it felt like something was litteraly drilling in my head with a screw driver & tearing my eyeball out LITTERALLY every 10 seconds when the pain waves came.
I couldnt sleep for 4 days. It is Torture it really is. I just wanna cry talking about it. I want to scream & I never want to experience it again! I dont think I can go through it again without commiting suicide, the pain is unbearable, unbeleivably unbearable. the doctor even said I had a chance to Go Blind if I hadnt diagnosed it sooner.
I researched Shingles on the net & it says that shingles is the most painful neurological disease out there. I HAD JUST EXPERIENCED THE WORST TORTURE EVER

admin answers:

Without shingles, water gets through the roof — you’re wrong, they’re a good thing!

Joseph asks…

Did antiboitcs give me shingles or allergic reaction?

Almost a year ago I went 2 the docs bc I was spotting and not getting my period. They gave me a pap and said my cervix was inflamed and bleeding. So they swabed me 4 chlamydia. gonorrhea and BV. I didnt have BV and they said that they will call me and tell me my results 4 the other 2 in a few days. But they gave me a powder antibiotic 4 chlamydia, 1 big pill 4 gonorrhea and metronidazole pills eventho they told me I didnt have it. I was told 2 take it for 7 days and 2 take the others as well that same day just in case. So I took the powder and the 2 pills that same day. After taking all them I got very bad nausea, sever diarrhea for like 5 days and just felt sick and even got a really bad yeast infection 2. 2 days later the docs calleed me back and told me I was negative 4 everything but 2 continue the BV pills since I was already taking them. I took them all and a few days later I began noticing my jaw was beginning 2 hurt and swell just below it. I think it was my lympnode. The next day I got a tiny cluster of red hard blisters aprox 2 inches above collar bone, 1 below the jaw, 1 on my tragus and 1 on the earlobe. The cluster didnt really hurt but stung and itched, but the 1’s on my jaw and ear hurt alot and even made the back of my head hurt bad! The blisters didnt weep or leak and after a week they got tiny dotted scabs and went away altho there was still some pain afterwards. I was wondering if I had a allergic reaction 2 all the antibiotics or if they gave me shingles. At 1st I though they were shingles and freaked bc I had read that shingles are very rare in young people, im 23, and that they could be a sign or HIV. Well I now kno that I dont have HIV bc I was tested 3 times and have been with my bf for 3 years and bc I am 22 weeks pregnant and have been tested 4 every kind of std out there and have come back healthy as gan be. So any suggestions??
3 days ago – 1 day left to answer.
Additional Details
O sorry I dont have the infection anymore it went away about a week later, this happened almost a year ago I just wanted 2 know if the anibiotics where responsible 4 the blisters and other unpleasent side effects and if it was possible that taking all the meds gave me shingles instead of allergic blisters. I dont get yeast infections it was actually the 1st time I ever got 1 when I took the meds.

admin answers:

Antibiotics can’t give you shingles, shingles it when dormant chicken pox flares up in one area, what you experienced was an allergic reaction from one of the chemicals in the antibiotics

Donna asks…

Does anyone know anything about rashes under the breast that is red with a pimple head?

I had a red raised rash with a pimple head under one breast and the doctor thought it was the shingles but that’s about cleared up and now it’s under the other breast. Does anyone have any answers. It’s a little bit itchy but otherwise isn’t really bothersome although I have had some soreness and pain in my breast. I do take multiple meds because I have parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, possible fibromyalgia, osteoporosis.and chronic depression. I take Sinemet, clonopin, lexapro, vicodin, meloxicam, zanflex and lasix. Could this be medication related. I’m a nurse but don’t believe it to be an allergic reaction because it’s too localized. Can anyone help?

admin answers:

Hi there,
This sounds like the same thing I get, it’s like a sort of yeast infection that grows in areas of the body that get heated up as they get no air…also can be found under skin folds in larger people.
My docter gave me a cream for it that has to be mixed at the pharmacy…The label reads 1% Hc pwd in Clotrimaderm Cream – 100 gm mix.
The directions are to apply a thin layer under each breast 2Xday as needed. It usually take a couple/three days to clear up then may come back especially in the summer heat but the cream manages it quite nicely.
I hope this helps!
M
p.s I also have fibro and chronic fatigue and take multipe meds but to my knowledge they aren’t related, but than who really knows!

Paul asks…

Could it be shingles?

This has been going on for a month, progressively worsening.
Started with what i thought were pimples on the back right side of my head. Very sore to touch.
Then about 10 days ago started getting intermittent shooting pains from the right eye to back of the head, increasing in frequency. Now if I touch above my right eye to my hairline I want to scream.
Right lower eyelid twitching.
The rash is not the typica shingle rash I have seen but the shooting pains are becoming unbearable.

admin answers:

Not a doctor but I am a pharmacist. I have heard people complain of the same symptoms and came back later to fill antiviral meds for shingles. I would see a doctor sooner than later.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Joe Homps

Linda asks…

Help! I’m 36 years old & have had Shingles type pain and tenderness on my skin on my mid back and rib area…

I have had this for 5 days now, but no sign of the shingles rash yet, just the pain as if. I have never had Shingles, but I know someone who did and they went through something similar, yes I have had chicken pox already. I am relatively healthy all around, and the only symptom I have had is this surface skin tenderness/sun burning sensations in the isolated spots mentioned above. There is NO rash or redness yet but I did get a small swelt like bump near the tenderness site on my back. I don’t have a fever and only today I have been experiencing some muscle weakness. No this isn’t a bug bite or an allergic reaction. Is this Shingles or something close?? I will see a doc soon but wanted to get some feedback and do research b4 docs start putting me on unnecessary meds, etc while trying to figure out what it could be. THANKS!

admin answers:

May be it is shingles or herpes zoster as it is known in medical terms.

In its milder forms , rashes may not be present, but it gives the symptoms as you mentioned,

The duration of illness is approximately 14 days after that it subsides of its own.

Some powerful analgesics may help you to relieve the symptoms , also taking carbamazepene 100mg thrice daily for a few days may relieve the pain

anyway diagnosis has to be confirmed by a doctor after seing you.

Helen asks…

can shingles cause palpitations?

i was diagnosed with shingles 3 days ago but as yet i have no rash. I have been suffering the usual symptoms and now palpitations.

admin answers:

You seem to have attracted a trio of nuts!
Shingles follows the path of a nerve, first symptoms tingling, pain, then rash after 3 – 4 days.
Not palpitations, but worrying about shingles might cause them.

Sandy asks…

Shingles — ear pain?

I was diagnosed with shingles on Monday. (Rash is on my torso.) I’m on anti-viral meds and pain pills. Today I’m having ear pain. (Intermittent — but much worse than the pain of the primary rash.) Research suggests Ramsay-Hunt, but there’s no facial rash or paralysis. Can there be pain with no other symptoms? Since I’m already on meds, is there anything more the doctor can do?

admin answers:

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is defined as VZV infection of the head and neck that involves the facial nerve. Is it possible this could be regular ear infection?

Mark asks…

Can Shingles Disease appear near the anus or anywhere in that area?

My husband was diagnosed with Shingles a few weeks ago. The rash is extremely painful and seems to appear in one place, go away then show up somewhere else. Tonight he went to the hospital because the pain was so bad he could not walk, sit or lay down. Despite telling the Dr. that he was diagnosed with Shingles only a few weeks ago and had already been seen twice because of the pain, the Dr. (not the same one who diagnosed him) told him he is too young to have Shingles Disease and told him he has hemorrhoids, despite having no symptoms of hemorrhoids (except excruciating pain). There are no lumps, bumps or anything remotely like hemorrhoids. There is just a rash that looks just like Shingles. He says it feels just like it, too but the Dr. would not listen to him. He (the Dr.) also asked quite a few questions that my husband felt were insulting, such as “Do you ever share needles?” and “Do you or your wife ever engage in prostitution?” When my husband asked why he was asking these things, the Dr. said that my husband was too young to have Shingles and that he needed an AIDS test. We don’t do drugs; neither of us even drink. Obviously, neither of us are prostitutes. My husband is extremely offended by the whole experience, and I have to say, I am, too. I am more disturbed by the fact that this Dr. would not listen to him. My husband takes Trileptal for Borderline Personality Disorder and felt that once the Dr. found that out, he stopped listening to him.

Can Shungles appear around the anus and do you feel we should get a 2nd opinion or will it be just a waste of time?
I understand and that is what I told my husband. At the same time, if a patient was diagnosed with Shingles Disease at that hospital not two weeks ago and already been back twice because of the pain…

admin answers:

Shingles can form a rash anywhere on the body, anus included.

It may seem insulting but the doctor does have to ask those things, and keep in mind that the specific set of symptoms you have given points DIRECTLY towards several different STD’s- 9 times out of 10 a patient presenting those symptoms has made some poor choices to get that way. Doctor was just reacting to what he was seeing.

Laura asks…

What could be the disease for having these symptoms? Is it near to being dangerous?

My mum for the past 3-4 months now had had some problem with her body veins.. it seems to ache almost everyday when she is actively busy with something, like taking a long walk or is lifting something heavy, etc… she is 52 years of age. Her legs, her stomach and her back seems to be the targeted area. She has also developed a rash on her neck in the beginning too, now that rash has also developed on her stomach. She does complain of severe itchiness from time to time. Recently she also gets a little dizzy from time to time too…

As for the vein problems, she has been to the masseuse Several times… and these masseuse are experts in such areas… but even then, the ache seems to crawl right back up again after a day. [could this be due to the fact that she has had less rest? or is having a lot of stress? because this is her case [!] ]

Please help.
could the rash also be shingles? she has no pain however. just extreme itchiness from time to time as mentioned.

admin answers:

Varicose veins, there is a treatment just go see doc.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Joe Homps

John asks…

$253.00 for the drug to cure shingles! Do you think the drug companies are ripping us off?

Also…those of us who can’t afford health insurance will have to suffer through this very painfull disease (not to mention a host of other dilapidating diseases) because hey…Mortgage comes first.How can you justify non-socialzed health insurance when many Americans simply cannot afford it (health ins.) at the prices now in effect… and how much is Bush responsible for making health ins out of reach for the average American.

admin answers:

Bush’s Medicare Plan D with its deductibles makes it very difficult to obtain expensive medications.He also assists Big Pharma to maintain their patents as long as possible.His priorities are wrong he should put health before War.He should also introduce price controls and enable people to buy for less abroad

Thomas asks…

Seeking technical info about shingles.?

I know the general info about shingles. I am in the medical field, so technical info would be good. It seems as if there is few ‘real’ answers to my questions. I had shingles when I was 16, in the left flank region(back), and now at 26 have it again. Same area, but much more area affected. I think it will be much worse than before. I have been seen by a Dr., can’t work for a week+, on acyclovir. I am told that the virus will go ‘full circle’ even with the meds? But may prevent more of an outbreak? I caught this ‘early’ having had it before-I knew instantly what I had. But even though I caught it early, it will still go through full blistering, etc? I’ve always been easily susceptible to everything. I’ve had mono x5, roseola @ 15, fifth disease at 14. How do I boost the immunes? How do I prevent reoccuring shingles? Should I look into an immunologist? Is there bloodwork that can be done to see whats going on with me? General CBC, or more than that? Any advice would be great.
*sighs* nobody is home out there? 🙁 any suggestions for ridding of the dragging back pain/tension? Already did ibuprofen and the heating pad…

admin answers:

Sorry you are suffering so….

OK. Why you have so many infectious diseases -I wish I knew.

What can be done about this one ? Well as it’s neuropathic pain, what about neurontin (gabapentin). It works for many with post herpetic neuralgia, so why not with intra herpetic neuralgia ?

As you will know the immume system is built on proteins and governed by your genes. I don’t know what to suggest. Only know that none of those supposed immune boosters do anything but relieve you of money.

Try the usual best advice. Eat well, fresh balanced diet, get plenty of good quality rest and be happy. If you unresolved emotional issues, get off to a psychologist.

All the best.

Sandy asks…

I have shingles, but I’m only in my mid 30’s?

I was diganosed with shingles sometime last year, around March 2009. I’m 36 years old. My doctor says it can be brought on from a dormant chicken pox that I had when I was a kid which continued to live in my body. I actually got the chicken pox severally TWICE when I was a kid, which I’ve heard is also rare…. My doctor says it could be brought on by stress. And yes, I’m under extreme stress….Anyways, for those that don’t know about this, its a painful disease and affects the nerves your body.
But, from what I understand this is a elderly person’s disease, typically people over the age of 60. My doctor says its not uncommon that young people get this disease but not rare. He said about 10%-20% of the population under the age of 60 will get it…

But, my question is there any cure? Now, my fingers and hand goes numb, everyone once and awhile and I was wonder will it get worse?? I’ve found some links on the internet that says I can get a shot, but after reading they will not give the shot to anyone under the age of 60. Is there any experimental drugs that the government offers for certain people??

Thanks in advance.

admin answers:

“I have shingles, but I’m only in my mid 30’s?” — Shingles is herpes zoster. Your age has nothing to do with it, this isn’t an old person’s disorder. Children, teens and young adults (like you) are subject to an h. Zoster outbreak just as much as any one else. Unfortunately, it’s become more common.

“My doctor says it can be brought on from a dormant chicken pox that I had when I was a kid which continued to live in my body” — Your doctor explained this to you in very simplistic terms. If the exact words your doctor used were “it can be brought on from a dormant chicken pox..”, this isn’t quite accurate. The ONLY way one can develop h. Zoster is from having had chicken pox. What causes chicken pox and herpes zoster is the varicella zoster virus, or VZV, for short. Sometimes after a case of chicken pox, the body is able to clear the virus (get rid of it) but for many this isn’t the case. VZV instead retreats into spinal nerve tissue and goes dormant. Sometimes, the virus remains dormant permanently and sometimes it doesn’t. It’s often reactivated by great stress. It doesn’t matter what the source of the stress is. It can be a severe illness, malnutrition, a chronic health condition, extreme temperatures, a family death, divorce. There are all kinds of stress, not just the kind you may have in mind. The effect is on spinal nerves on one side of the body and not “the nerves in your body”, which carries the implication that h. Zoster affects ALL nerves.

Yes, it’s not the norm to have chicken pox twice in a lifetime but it’s more common in those who had a sub-clinical case the first time.

“But, my question is there any cure?” — VZV is a member of the herpesvirus family. There is no cure for a herpesvirus. But there are prescription antiviral treatments (acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famcyclovir) and home treatments that can shorten the duration and lessen the severity of an outbreak.

“Now, my fingers and hand goes numb, everyone once and awhile and I was wonder will it get worse??” — This may be post-herpetic neuralgia, (PHN). Speak to your doctor about this. Gabapentin, tricyclic antidepressants, topical analgesics (capsaicin), topical anesthetics & corticosteriods are some of the means used to treat PHN but your doctor will know what’s best for your specific situation.

“I’ve found some links on the internet that says I can get a shot, but after reading they will not give the shot to anyone under the age of 60” — The shot you refer to is Zostavax. The vaccine is recommended for adults 60 and older but there’s no law that says you can’t have the vaccine. But bear in mind that the safety and effects of the vaccine were only studied in this group, which accounts for about half of all cases of h. Zoster occurring each year in the United States. Therefore, you’d have extreme difficulty finding a provider willing to administer an untested (in your age group) vaccine to you. Future research will determine if the recommended age for vaccination should be lowered but this won’t help you now.

“Is there any experimental drugs that the government offers for certain people??” — Don’t look to our government for help in this area. What you should be looking for are clinical trials. I’m not aware at this time of any ongoing or upcoming clinical trials but you should definitely monitor periodically for these. Run a search for “clinical trials” and check the links directly below.
Http://www.clinicaltrials.com/
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/

Try contacting Merck & Co, Inc. This is the pharmaceutical giant that developed Zostavax. Find out from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, when and if they still plan to develop a Zostavax counterpart for those under 60.

Http://www.merck.com/ Use this link to get to Merck’s website or open a new tab and paste & copy the website so you can toggle back & forth this screen and the new one. Look below ” > see our pipeline” (written on orange). Do you see the small print? The first column reads “Patients & Caregivers”. Go down to topic #7, Clinical Trials. You can view this and if you still have questions or suggestions, scroll up to the top of the homepage and in the top right corner, you’ll see “Contact Us”.

Sometimes you just have to know what to look for. Be inventive, resourceful and tenacious and you’ll be rewarded for your persistence.

George asks…

Shingles pain relief: How do I get shingles pain relief?

Please help me I need shingles pain relief, this shingles is killing me I have tried many drugs all to no avail pls I need to cure this terrible disease fast cause I have been at home for long.

admin answers:

Hi ken,
One of my friends had similar issue and there is this site that he was able to locate and within 3 days the shingle disappeared, you can check the site below

Mark asks…

I have chickenpox can my mum catch shingles again?

This isn’t the 1st time I’ve had it and my mum has had shingles before, I need a fact answer no guesses please and I don’t live with my mum but I’m going to see her tomorrow and is chickenpox an airbourne disease?

admin answers:

If you have ever had chickenpox the virus will remain dormant in within your nerves. Usually you will develop immunity and will never get chickenpox again. However if you are run down, stressed or your immune system is not working as well as it should the virus can sometimes re-appear causing shingles. If you have shingles you are contagious and can infect people with chickenpox. However if you have chickenpox you can’t cause shingles as your mum already has the virus.
The virus is spread by direct contact, so the blisters on your skin will contain the virus.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Joe Homps

Daniel asks…

is shingles contagious?

asking for a friend

admin answers:

Shingles results from the varicella zoster virus that gets left behind in one’s body after having the chicken pox, which is caused by the same virus. After recovering from chicken pox the virus stays behind in nerve cells by your spinal cord and may reactivate the virus many years later. That reactivation is the shingles. If you have never had the chicken pox, you will never get the shingles either. You cannot spread shingles from person to person, however, if you have never had the chicken pox its a good idea to stay away from someone with the shingles because through skin to skin contact that person (with shingles) can cause you to get the chicken pox. Of course, then many years later, you are at risk to get shingles as well.

Thomas asks…

is shingles contagious?

admin answers:

Yes it is if you rub up on someone put the person can wher long clothing and everything but, yes they are contagious.

Mark asks…

is shingles contagious?

admin answers:

Yes, shingles is 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 (or contract the virus) from someone else. Once infected, however, people have the potential to develop shingles later in life.
Shingles is contagious to people that have not previously had chickenpox, as long as there are new blisters forming and old blisters healing. Once all of the blisters are crusted over, the virus can no longer be spread

Michael asks…

shingles- is it contagious?

admin answers:

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. People with shingles are contagious to persons who have not had chickenpox and, therefore, those people, who have not had chickenpox, are at risk of getting chickenpox if they touch or contact a person with shingles. However, you cannot catch shingles itself from someone else. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Sharon asks…

is shingles in any way contagious?

admin answers:

Shingles – Cause
Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, a type of herpes virus that causes chickenpox. After you have had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in your nerve roots and remains inactive until, in some people, it flares up again. When the virus becomes active again, you get shingles instead of chickenpox.

Anyone who has had even a mild case of chickenpox can get shingles. People who have a weak immune system are vulnerable to reactivation of the virus that causes shingles. Many factors can weaken your immune system, including aging, injury, and illness. Some medicines slow down the immune system. For example, medicines that destroy cancer cells (chemotherapy) can interfere with the immune system.

Transmission
Exposure to shingles will not cause you to get shingles. But if you have not had chickenpox and you are exposed to shingles, you can get chickenpox. Someone with shingles can potentially expose you to chickenpox if you come into contact with the fluid in the shingles rash blisters.

One study reports that the virus that causes shingles may be released into the air from shingles sores. Covering the shingles sores with a type of dressing that absorbs fluids and protects the sore (hydrocolloid dressing, such as DuoDerm) appears to effectively contain the virus.2

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