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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Had Shingles, Rash, Knee Pain. What Tests Do I Need To Determine What This Is?

I had shingles whereby the rash showed on sept 8, 2013. This was my second bout with shingles over the years. First time it hit me in five nerve areas, this time only my back. Got on the antiviral right away and it seem to go away quicker this time. But now I have knee pain whereby I cannot put pressure on the floor without severe pain. Saw a few pimples on my knee this morning, they itched a lot but are not there now. Could my shingles have traveled to the knee. I worked hard last week and might have strained it first, Pain started next day but gets worse the more I try to walk not better. What tests do I need to determine what this is? 3
Mon, 21 Oct 2013
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Shingles also known as herpes zoster..caused by VZV virus.

It occurs mostly in person who was having varicella .i.e. chickenpox.

In most of the patients, herpes zoster does not relapse...as immunity develops against VZV virus...after one attack of HZ.

In your case you said it was HZ...second time occured.

I am in doubt. It relapses only in patients having immunocompromised conditions..like HIV,malignancies,leukamia,genetic immune deficiencies...etc

You should consult dermatologist, investigations may be done to rule out any internal disease.

In HZ, viruses are in nerves only. So, do not worry, the lesions on knee are not herpetic..ok it may be something else...impetigo,follicultis or vascultis.

Take antibiotics and anti inflammatory drugs for 1 to 2 weeks.

Take immunoboosters to improve immunity.

I feel, you may be improved.

I hope you got my answer.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

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Had Shingles, Rash, Knee Pain. What Tests Do I Need To Determine What This Is?

Hi, Shingles also known as herpes zoster..caused by VZV virus. It occurs mostly in person who was having varicella .i.e. chickenpox. In most of the patients, herpes zoster does not relapse...as immunity develops against VZV virus...after one attack of HZ. In your case you said it was HZ...second time occured. I am in doubt. It relapses only in patients having immunocompromised conditions..like HIV,malignancies,leukamia,genetic immune deficiencies...etc You should consult dermatologist, investigations may be done to rule out any internal disease. In HZ, viruses are in nerves only. So, do not worry, the lesions on knee are not herpetic..ok it may be something else...impetigo,follicultis or vascultis. Take antibiotics and anti inflammatory drugs for 1 to 2 weeks. Take immunoboosters to improve immunity. I feel, you may be improved. I hope you got my answer. Thanks. Dr. Ilyas Patel MD