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 Causes Shingles?
do shingles appear from only being somewhere near an active shingles person or just if a persons immune system is run down or been under lots stress to weaken ones body? ( I was just diagnosed with shingles yesterday under my right breast and on my right back - have not raised up but not as hurtful as this weekend when I did not know why I was hurting!) Thank you for any help + how long to rest and stay inside with lots noncaffeine liquids ?
Mon, 12 Dec 2016
Hello dear
I understand your concern
Shingles caused by varicella zoster virus.
It caused by
1. Reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) within a person's body.
Risk factors: reactivation include old age, poor immune function, and having had chickenpox before 18 months of age
2. Exposure to the virus in the blisters can cause chickenpox in someone who has not had it before but will not trigger shingles.
Lesion will usually heal in the 4-6 weeks.
You can take following treatment under the advise of your doctor:
Initially treatment:
1. Anti viral medication:Acyclovir
2. Pain medication: acetaminophen
3. You can use following Topical treatment
- Neosporine ointment
- Calamine and Capsaicin cream
If pain not relieved after month:
Antidepressant: Amitryptaline
Topical anesthetic: Benzocaine or lidocaine
Opioids can be used.
Hope this may help you.
Contact HCM for further health query
Best regards
Dr. Sagar
I understand your concern
Shingles caused by varicella zoster virus.
It caused by
1. Reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) within a person's body.
Risk factors: reactivation include old age, poor immune function, and having had chickenpox before 18 months of age
2. Exposure to the virus in the blisters can cause chickenpox in someone who has not had it before but will not trigger shingles.
Lesion will usually heal in the 4-6 weeks.
You can take following treatment under the advise of your doctor:
Initially treatment:
1. Anti viral medication:Acyclovir
2. Pain medication: acetaminophen
3. You can use following Topical treatment
- Neosporine ointment
- Calamine and Capsaicin cream
If pain not relieved after month:
Antidepressant: Amitryptaline
Topical anesthetic: Benzocaine or lidocaine
Opioids can be used.
Hope this may help you.
Contact HCM for further health query
Best regards
Dr. Sagar
I find this answer helpful
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....