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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Causes For Herpes?

Hi my friend has a rash on her back she is 65 years old she went to the doctors she was told she has herpes she has had her husband for 40 years they have not had sex for quite a few years and have not played around is there any other way she could of cought herpes or are there other causes for herpes thanks imelda
Mon, 3 Mar 2014
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Ophthalmologist 's  Response
Hello
It seems from the history that your friend is having herpes. Herpes can be herpes simplex which spreads by close contact or by sexual route or herpes zoster which is activation of chicken pox acquired in childhood.
As you have mentioned that she is having rash on her back this is herpes zoster because of reactivation as a result of decreased immunity as a result of old age.
The treatment is by using antiviral drugs like acyclovir.

Thank you


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Pathologist and Microbiologist Dr. Shailja Puri's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Herpes simplex infection is a viral infection.
It is contracted by contaminated bodily fluids, the oral and sexual route being most common.
The virus can get reactivated after the primary infection especially when the immunity is weak.
Low immune status can occur during periods of stress, menstruation, surgery, etc.
The herpes infection manifests as fluid filled painful vesicles on oral mucosa especially lips and on the genitalia.
You need to take anti-viral therapy against herpes simplex infection.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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What Are The Causes For Herpes?

Hello It seems from the history that your friend is having herpes. Herpes can be herpes simplex which spreads by close contact or by sexual route or herpes zoster which is activation of chicken pox acquired in childhood. As you have mentioned that she is having rash on her back this is herpes zoster because of reactivation as a result of decreased immunity as a result of old age. The treatment is by using antiviral drugs like acyclovir. Thank you