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What Causes Recurrent Episodes Of Shingles And Pain Below Chest Area?
Question: My husband has had 3-4 episodes of what appears to be shingles...BUT he has never had the rash. The pain at this time is only on the right side just under the breast area it raditates to front & back. He can't stand the feel of clothing so he won't wear a shirt because if it touches this area it is very uncomfortable. We have gone to the doctor regarding this previously being sent to dermatologist, neurologist etc. Currently his primary doctor & hematologist think i'm pipe dreaming because there is no rash. I understood you can have shingles without the rash, correct?
Brief Answer:
post herpetic neuragia does not have a rash
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Shingles is normally associated with a rash but there is a condition called post herpetic neuralgia that may not have the rash.
This is the chronic nerve pain that occurs after the shingles. It may not have an associated rash with it.
Persons who have a previous history of shingles may have this problem that results in nerve pain.
Other causes of nerve related pain are: (1) vitamin b12 or folate deficiency
(2)diabetes
(3)liver or kidney disease
(4)trauma to the nerves supplying the area
(5)neurological diseases such as stroke, ms
(6)thyroid disease in some persons
(7)exposure to toxins
(8)idiopathic- cause is not known
(9)side effects of some meds
The neurologist can determine if the rash is related to post herpetic neuragia or one of the other causes mentioned.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
post herpetic neuragia does not have a rash
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Shingles is normally associated with a rash but there is a condition called post herpetic neuralgia that may not have the rash.
This is the chronic nerve pain that occurs after the shingles. It may not have an associated rash with it.
Persons who have a previous history of shingles may have this problem that results in nerve pain.
Other causes of nerve related pain are: (1) vitamin b12 or folate deficiency
(2)diabetes
(3)liver or kidney disease
(4)trauma to the nerves supplying the area
(5)neurological diseases such as stroke, ms
(6)thyroid disease in some persons
(7)exposure to toxins
(8)idiopathic- cause is not known
(9)side effects of some meds
The neurologist can determine if the rash is related to post herpetic neuragia or one of the other causes mentioned.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
can post herpetic neuralgia be determined by blood test?
Brief Answer:
normally based on history but bloods to herpes zoster can be done
Detailed Answer:
HI
It is mainly diagnosed based on the history of symptoms though a blood test to check for antibodies to herpes zoster can be done.
Antibodies are formed in the body when it reacts to a particular virus/other type of infection.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
normally based on history but bloods to herpes zoster can be done
Detailed Answer:
HI
It is mainly diagnosed based on the history of symptoms though a blood test to check for antibodies to herpes zoster can be done.
Antibodies are formed in the body when it reacts to a particular virus/other type of infection.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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