Ken asks…
Who’s had Shingles? (Herpes Zoster)?
I was 14, and I thought I had an STD because they decided to form all over my scrotum and penis.
Even though I’d never had sex before.
Anyway.
It hurt like hell and I wanted to die.
But I was just wondering how common it is for people to have Shingles in that area.
Or maybe I’m just extremely special.
Yay.
But not really,
it hurt like hell.
admin answers:
I had shingles when I was 8, over my forehead. If they’d have spread any further, I would have gone blind. 😉
Daniel asks…
Shingles – Herpes Zoster / Herpesvirus help?
I have recently found out that I have shingles (adult chicken pox), and I am only 15 years old, which makes this very rare. Are there any good tips or information I should know about treating or care for this? How long does it take for it to go away? Currently I am using Zovirax and Ilbuprofen for the pain and healing, and the doctor says it will take about 3 weeks until its gone. Can anybody help me out here?
My mother and I were talking about the stress, which causes it to come about. I don’t ever really think of things in too deep to be stressed, but I guess not. My mother and I just came up with the fact that my father is in Iraq and that I’m having some English I troubles. I’m not failing it, it’s just that it’s self taught and I haven’t gone too far in the lessons this year.
The doctor said those would probably be what triggered. But don’t get me wrong, I’m not some stress freak or psycho, I’m your average 15 year old male, and a video gamer.
They have me taking Zovirak 5 times a day, which is about 2 to 3 hours each pill. The Ilbuprofen is what I have to take 3 times a day, if I’m in pain. I usually take them at each meal, since I’m supposed to take it with food anyways. I hate that I have to swallow it though, because it’s a huge pill, 800MG, in fact! I’ve always been scared of taking pills, and here I am, required to take these huge things! I hate it, and this stuff burns too! The pain pills don’t even work, and I can barely sleep at night! It’s on my left side of my body, wrapped all the way around from chest to back. It’s around my armpit and shoulder though, so you can imagine what troubles it brings upon me.
admin answers:
It is weird to have it so young – had it in my twenties and it was weird then too – are you under a lot of stress? Been really ill lately?
Anyway, it’s fortunate they have the antivirals now – like zovirax – i’d think it would clear up sooner than the 3 weeks – eat really, really healthy, lots of leafy greens, and fruit, and stuff, and lots and lots of fluids – no sodas or coffee but lots and lots of water and fruit juices (watered down to reduce calories and increase liquid) and rest and relax as much as possible – and stay away from kids, old people, and anyone otherwise immunocompromised. Good luck! Feel better soon! And if the ibuprofen is not controlling the pain, you can probably alternate with tylenol and/or naproxen sodium. . .
Like, if they have you on every four hours, take the ibuprofen at 2PM, Tylenol at 4, then the Ibuprofen again at 6, tylenol at 8 or so. . .but, of course, check first. . .
Richard asks…
Will i get Shingles (Herpes Zoster!)?
I’m really scared of this becasue i was just reading about Chickenpox and i heard i could get a second attack called shingles and it said it was really really really painful like 100 stabs and a fiery blanket and the same time!!! im so scared i cant sleep it’s the scaries thing ever :(. and people who had varicella disease (chickenpox) can only get it! i just heard alot of talk about!! i dont want to get it ever!! just really scared at the moment!
admin answers:
Don’t be, lots of people who had chicken pox never ever get shingles. The virus remains in the system, sure, but just take good care of yourself, eat right, get enough sleep. It’s not worth worrying about b/c the odds are good you’ll never get it.
Mary asks…
Can u help me by answering my question about “Herpes Zoster” (shingles)?
I also asked before this question but today Im asking u about some things.
My dad is sick and its been a while now for about 5 months he first had Herpes Zoster and he also has it we are all tired of that thing especially my dad cause that was not the only problem because he had brain tumor and he is over it. I looked a lot of websites and they say its caused by chicken pox and when immune system is weak he attacks us, my dad i think he has strong immune system cause he eats good and everything but herpes its also there, my dad has Herpes in the side where heart is and in his back, i asked him today how you been dad he said not good cause my heart is hurting me i said its because of herpes but im not sure so im asking you
Can it be possible that heart can hurt you if you have herpes in that side or maybe its something else?
He also tried acyclovir but nothing happend the doctors cant help him they say nothing can be done
admin answers:
First.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is just ONE of MANY complications due to shingles.
The most common is Postherpetic neuralgia and I would think this is what your father is suffering from.
While there is nothing more that can be done for the actual Herpes Zoster infection in your father there most certainly are things that can be tried for pain control.
Postherpetic neuralgia
For some people, shingles pain continues long after the blisters have cleared. This condition is known as postherpetic neuralgia, and it occurs when damaged nerve fibers send confused and exaggerated messages of pain from your skin to your brain. Pain medication, antidepressants or anticonvulsant medications may help provide relief until the pain subsides.
This is a very very common comlication and I would ask your fathers doctor to advice and treat for it
Side note for Mr Nair, what is correct in today’s medical literature will be needing updated by tomorrow.
Medicine and medical reserach moves at an astounding rate.
( I work in medical reserach in drug trials). I spent 30 years working in acute medicine specialising in heart disease before that.
We are taught NEVER to rely on what we read as our only source of knowledge.
The book is out of date as soon as it is published.
We must rely on our own medical experience or risk causing damage, worry or even death to others.
Chris asks…
Is Herpes Zoster infectious ? ( Shingles )?
admin answers:
If you have never had chickenpox, avoid contact with people who have shingles or chickenpox. Fluid from shingles blisters is contagious, and exposure to it can cause chickenpox (but not shingles) in people who have never had chickenpox.
If you develop shingles, avoid close contact with people until after the rash blisters heal. It is especially important to avoid contact with people who are at special risk from chickenpox or shingles, such as:
Pregnant women, infants, children, or anyone who has never had chickenpox.
Anyone who is currently ill.
Anyone with a weak immune system who is unable to fight infection (such as someone with HIV infection or diabetes).
One study reports that the virus that causes shingles may be released into the air from shingles sores. If you have active shingles, you may be able to prevent spreading the disease by covering the shingles sores with a type of dressing that absorbs fluids and protects the sore (hydrocolloid dressing, such as DuoDerm). 4
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