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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Shingles. Taken Valtrex. Ripped Blister Open. Right Thing To Do?

Hi, I was diagnosed with shingles 5 days ago. The doctor said I caught it within the 72 hour period and I have been on anti-virals for 5 days (valtrex). Since yesterday I don t have any more pain, just some slight itchiness, which is to be expected. Many of the small blisters are starting to scab, but the big ones haven t yet. I was putting vaseline on the blisters before covering them and I noticed I accidentally ripped 2 blisters open. I covered them with neosporin and then vaseline than bandaged them up. Was that the right thing to do? Thanks so much!
Tue, 22 Jan 2013
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Apart from antivirals to contain the virus infection and prevent post herpetic neuralgia( pain persisting after resolution of lesions), antibiotics are required to prevent the blisters from getting infected. There is no need to put Vaseline or cover the area. Applying an antibiotic cream is enough to help the lesions heal without getting infected. Just continue with neosporin. Even if the blisters got deroofed, there is nothing to worry.
Wish you a speedy recovery. Take care.
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Had Shingles. Taken Valtrex. Ripped Blister Open. Right Thing To Do?

Hi, Apart from antivirals to contain the virus infection and prevent post herpetic neuralgia( pain persisting after resolution of lesions), antibiotics are required to prevent the blisters from getting infected. There is no need to put Vaseline or cover the area. Applying an antibiotic cream is enough to help the lesions heal without getting infected. Just continue with neosporin. Even if the blisters got deroofed, there is nothing to worry. Wish you a speedy recovery. Take care.