Can Oral Shingles Medication Cure Persistent Foot Peeling?

Oral medication for treating shingles and athlete's foot?

Last October, I had an outbreak of shingles and immediately sought medical treatment, taking medication for three days.
As a result, the peeling symptoms on my left foot, which had been persistent for over a decade, completely healed.
However, recently, with the hot weather, I've noticed that the peeling on my left foot has started again.
Doctor, could the severe peeling between my toes and on the soles of my feet, which was previously cured by antiviral medication, possibly be caused by a virus rather than a fungus? To address the peeling issue, I frequently disinfect the inside of my shoes with alcohol wipes to prevent dyshidrotic eczema, and during the summer, I wear sandals that cover the least amount of skin, but nothing seems to improve the condition.

mm, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/11

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

If you are unsure about the ingredients of the oral medication for shingles you are taking and have not seen the lesions in person to confirm, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are feeling very troubled.

Reply Date: 2016/04/11

More Info

The question of whether oral shingles medication can cure persistent foot peeling is quite intriguing and highlights the complexities of dermatological conditions. To provide a comprehensive answer, we need to delve into the nature of shingles, the potential causes of foot peeling, and the implications of viral infections versus fungal infections.

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life, often leading to a painful rash and other symptoms. The antiviral medications prescribed for shingles, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, are effective in reducing the severity and duration of the shingles outbreak, especially when taken early in the course of the disease.

In your case, it appears that the oral shingles medication you took successfully addressed the peeling skin on your foot, which had been persistent for over a decade. This suggests that the underlying cause of your foot peeling may have been related to the viral infection. However, the recurrence of foot peeling in hot weather raises questions about the nature of the condition.
Foot peeling can occur due to various reasons, including fungal infections (like athlete's foot), eczema, psoriasis, or even contact dermatitis. The fact that you are experiencing this issue again, especially in warmer weather, could indicate that other factors are at play. For instance, excessive sweating in hot weather can lead to skin irritation and peeling, particularly in areas like the feet and between the toes.
You mentioned using alcohol wipes to disinfect your shoes, which is a good practice to prevent fungal infections, but it’s essential to ensure that your feet are kept dry and well-aerated. Wearing breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks can help reduce the risk of fungal growth.
Regarding your question about whether the peeling could be viral rather than fungal, it is indeed possible. While shingles primarily affects the skin in the area innervated by the affected nerves, it can lead to secondary skin issues. However, persistent peeling, especially in the absence of other shingles symptoms (like pain or a rash), is more commonly associated with fungal infections or other dermatological conditions.

If you suspect that your foot peeling is related to a viral infection, it would be prudent to consult a dermatologist. They can conduct a thorough examination and may recommend tests to determine the exact cause of the peeling. This could include skin scrapings to check for fungal infections or a biopsy if a more serious condition is suspected.

In summary, while oral shingles medication can effectively treat conditions related to the varicella-zoster virus, persistent foot peeling may have multiple underlying causes. It is essential to differentiate between viral and fungal infections, as the treatment approaches differ significantly. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with the best course of action tailored to your specific situation.

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