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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Shingles

Posted on Mon, 5 Dec 2016

Question: Hello, I was feeling strange uncomfort in lower chest area on left side since 3-4 days, it was like someone was chocking or crushing the area and was more at certain sitting/ lying position while some position do not aggravate the pain/ uncomfort. There was strange pain/ feeling on skin in this area but nothing was visible. Since yesterday some red lesions like blisters have appeared in the affected area. Initially I was thinking like some cardiac problem but could not convince myself, now with the appearance of those red blisters like thing, I am more convinced for shingles. There are total about 6-7 such spots which are at left back, left side and front centerline of chest lower zone. Haven't taken any medicine yet. Please suggest for next course of action and the specialist whom I should refer to. To add with, I had chickenpox in childhood (about 5-6 years of age).

Male, 31 year.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXX, welcome to HCM and thank you for such clear pictures.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, welcome to HCM and thank you for such clear pictures. Yes it is Shingles or Herpes Zoster which is the same virus as chicken pox but affects a single nerve root. Having had chicken pox in childhood does not protect you from Herpes Zoster.
Immediately--take a high dose of B1, B6, B12 preparation, an anti inflammatory that contains Ibuprofen along with an ant acid, and apply calamine/ caladryl lotion locally. You can also apply ACIVIR cream locally and please show your doctor for a prescription of ACIVIR tablets 400 mg five times a day for 3 days that will relieve your symptoms faster--regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (58 minutes later)

Thanks Doctor. Just wanted to know about the precautions which I should take. Can I take bath using soap. Any eating precautions etc. Can I go in Sun or not.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXX, try and avoid water, soap and sunlight on lesions till dry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, try and avoid water, soap and sunlight on lesions till dry. You can take sponge bath--eat light. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (14 hours later)

Thank you Doctor.
Just wanted to ask about the interaction with CGHS doctor. In his opinion, antiviral is not necessary and he didn't prescribed too. Only painkiller (some paracetamol and nemesulide combination), antiallergic and antacid (pantocid) he prescribed for 2 days.
Additionally, I have bought Multifresh capsules (multivitamin) for B1, B6 and B12. However I am afraid that it is high dose for this combination as suggested by you.
In total I have about 8-10 blisters over left torso (lower chest from front to back side). It is just the left half ring over heart.
Is the treatment going in right direction for now?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXX, it is fine. You can add the local anti viral cream if you like.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, it is fine. You can add the local anti viral cream if you like. It does help. Your multifresh is also fine. All the best--regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T