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Are Recurring Rashes Behind The Legs Signs Of Shingles?
Question: I had an outbreak on the back of my leg several years ago. the Dr told me it was shingles. but it comes back often and last time it was way worse. wondering if it could be something else.
Brief Answer:
It could quite possibly be shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Shingles is a viral infection that manifests in the form of a rash which can appear anywhere on your body.
The infection can be recurrent and the rash can appear and reappear, so there is no reason why your recurrent rash could not be shingles.
If you wish, you could attach clear images of the region to our discussion here and I could view them to provide you with my opinion on whether or not it could be shingles.
There are vaccinations available to help suppress the virus which lies dormant around the spinal cord and brain. Treatment can help reduce complications and recurrences, so please speak to your doctor about management and prevention of recurrences.
I hope you find my response helpful. I am here to help, so please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications.
Best wishes.
It could quite possibly be shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Shingles is a viral infection that manifests in the form of a rash which can appear anywhere on your body.
The infection can be recurrent and the rash can appear and reappear, so there is no reason why your recurrent rash could not be shingles.
If you wish, you could attach clear images of the region to our discussion here and I could view them to provide you with my opinion on whether or not it could be shingles.
There are vaccinations available to help suppress the virus which lies dormant around the spinal cord and brain. Treatment can help reduce complications and recurrences, so please speak to your doctor about management and prevention of recurrences.
I hope you find my response helpful. I am here to help, so please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok. could it be herpes? Can you get herpes on the back of upper leg? And would that be genital? if it is shingles. why recurrent? thought that would be rear. last time it had spread further down my leg. the pain is sharp and very intense. been really stressed out. usually comes when im super stressed.
Brief Answer:
As I said, more likely to be shingles than anything else ma'am
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Shingles are usually caused due to the virus that is left behind after a previous chicken pox infection, and is caused by the varicella zoster virus.
On the other hand, herpes which is usually of 2 types herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2, is caused by the herpes simplex virus. I hope you now understand that the 2 are different (i.e. shingles and herpes).
Herpes type 1, causes sores around the mouth; whereas type 2 causes sores around the genital region. None of these 2 causes the rash on the calf or leg region, which is why we should suspect your rash to be linked to shingles and not otherwise.
The virus causing shingles remains dormant (as explained in my first response), around the brain and neck regions even after the chicken pox subsides. This virus can at times become active resulting in a shingles outbreak.
Yes, all dormant infections usually flare up when there are high levels of stress and/or a low immunity.
Hope this helps ma'am.
Best wishes.
As I said, more likely to be shingles than anything else ma'am
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Shingles are usually caused due to the virus that is left behind after a previous chicken pox infection, and is caused by the varicella zoster virus.
On the other hand, herpes which is usually of 2 types herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2, is caused by the herpes simplex virus. I hope you now understand that the 2 are different (i.e. shingles and herpes).
Herpes type 1, causes sores around the mouth; whereas type 2 causes sores around the genital region. None of these 2 causes the rash on the calf or leg region, which is why we should suspect your rash to be linked to shingles and not otherwise.
The virus causing shingles remains dormant (as explained in my first response), around the brain and neck regions even after the chicken pox subsides. This virus can at times become active resulting in a shingles outbreak.
Yes, all dormant infections usually flare up when there are high levels of stress and/or a low immunity.
Hope this helps ma'am.
Best wishes.
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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