Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Are The Symptoms Of Potential Shingles?
We understand that the below query is bothering you: I started having a little arm/shoulder discomfort last Saturday. Thought I slept on my arm/shoulder wrong, it was kind of sore but not bad. I never took any Ibuprofin or anything for pain because it wasn t that bad. Well, Tuesday, my back had 2 red spots on it, one had blisters, the other did not. Then, Wednesday, the other spot had blisters but not as bad as the first blistered spot. So, I figured it was probably shingles. Thursday, I found a few scattered single bumps in an area that look like they will blister and they are below the first 2 spots, then found 2 single blisters on arm, in different places on arm. Today, I have not found any new spots or blisters. Once the blisters came on Tuesday, I haven t had anymore pain in my shoulder/arm and the spots/blisters have not been itching. I assume I should see a doctor but I would like to know what I should expect going forward with shingles. I m assuming I have a mild case. How long can a person continue to break out? Should I expect more pain? And when I see a doctor, what type of medication will they probably prescribe and how much dosage will I probably take? And what is good to put on the blisters? Thank you.
Thu, 28 May 2015
Hello dear,
First of all thank you for the query,
shingles (Herpes zoster) is a viral infection of nerves and skin, affects the skin area supplied by a spinal nerve, we'll your description matches the H.zoster and as you said a milder one, but in H.zoster medication should be started as early as possible, ideally within 72 hrs, for best result, nevertheless you should take the medication on consultation
in medication
Acyclovir 800mg 4 times a day, or
valacyvlovir 1 gm three times a day or
famciclovir 50pmg three times a day
for at least 7 days,
all above mentioned drugs are antivirals,
and for pain , combines of pregabalin 75mg and methylcobalamine 1500mg at night time will help, but in your case pain is no more so may not be needed,
on blisters you can apply simple antibiotic cream
most of the time no residual pain is there but in few patient s like old age, diabetes, sever h.zoster cases may have zoster associated pain that may last for 3 motths, but I don't see that in your case, so just relax
I hope I have solved the queries, thank you
First of all thank you for the query,
shingles (Herpes zoster) is a viral infection of nerves and skin, affects the skin area supplied by a spinal nerve, we'll your description matches the H.zoster and as you said a milder one, but in H.zoster medication should be started as early as possible, ideally within 72 hrs, for best result, nevertheless you should take the medication on consultation
in medication
Acyclovir 800mg 4 times a day, or
valacyvlovir 1 gm three times a day or
famciclovir 50pmg three times a day
for at least 7 days,
all above mentioned drugs are antivirals,
and for pain , combines of pregabalin 75mg and methylcobalamine 1500mg at night time will help, but in your case pain is no more so may not be needed,
on blisters you can apply simple antibiotic cream
most of the time no residual pain is there but in few patient s like old age, diabetes, sever h.zoster cases may have zoster associated pain that may last for 3 motths, but I don't see that in your case, so just relax
I hope I have solved the queries, thank you
I find this answer helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....