Understanding Shingles: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Effectiveness
Shingles Hello, Doctor: I noticed blisters on my back on May 19, and then on May 21, I discovered that blisters had also appeared on my chest. I visited a doctor that day and was diagnosed with "herpes zoster" (shingles). I was prescribed medication for seven days (Virl...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
Since I did not see your lesion, I recommend that you consult your original physician for another examination.[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Effectiveness
Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Recovery Time, and Misdiagnosis
Shingles Recently, I have been experiencing pain on one side of my mouth and lips, with some redness and swelling. It also hurts to open my mouth. I visited my family doctor, who diagnosed me with herpes zoster virus and prescribed antibiotics along with some pain relief and anti...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
It could be shingles, herpes simplex, or angular cheilitis; a proper examination is needed to determine the diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Recovery Time, and Misdiagnosis
Understanding Shingles: Treatment Options and Vaccine Considerations
Shingles A patient experienced right chest pain on December 29, 2021, and visited a local orthopedic clinic on January 1, 2022, where they were diagnosed with herpes zoster and subsequently referred to a dermatology clinic. The dermatologist confirmed the diagnosis of herpes zost...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
1. In principle, it is sufficient. 2. Currently, there seems to be a higher statistical correlation, but the actual relationship is still unclear. Whether to receive the vaccine should be assessed by the individual.[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Treatment Options and Vaccine Considerations
Can Shingles Be Diagnosed Without a Rash? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Can the absence of a rash confirm a diagnosis of shingles? Hello Doctor, my mother experienced facial nerve dysfunction about a month and a half ago (mid-July), with drooping of the eye and mouth. She was treated with corticosteroids by a family doctor abroad. Two weeks later (en...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
It is very difficult; the likelihood of having herpes zoster without blisters in clinical practice is very low. It is also not possible to make this diagnosis in the absence of a rash or blisters. If there are no skin lesions, it is advisable to consult a neurologist.[Read More] Can Shingles Be Diagnosed Without a Rash? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Is Blood Testing for Herpes Accurate? Understanding Diagnosis and Concerns
Is the blood test for herpes not accurate? Doctor, two years ago I went to a massage parlor, and about three days later, I started experiencing muscle spasms in my thigh. Subsequently, I developed rashes and blisters from my foot to the inner thigh, with seven blisters appearing ...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
I don't understand why there is a suspicion of a diagnosis of shingles. The medications for shingles and those for herpes simplex are essentially the same, with only the dosage differing. Both are clinical diagnoses and do not require blood tests for confirmation.[Read More] Is Blood Testing for Herpes Accurate? Understanding Diagnosis and Concerns
Understanding Skin Itching, Hard Bumps, and Muscle Pain
Itchy skin, lumps, muscle pain? Based on your description of red patches and spots on your skin (located near the left scapula and left anterior chest) that are itchy and firm, along with intermittent muscle pain, it could be indicative of a condition such as shingles (herpes zos...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
Without actually seeing the lesion, it is impossible to make a definitive diagnosis. If it is causing significant distress, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Skin Itching, Hard Bumps, and Muscle Pain
Understanding Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia: Key Insights and Recovery Tips
Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you some questions. I developed shingles last December, initially mistaking it for back pain and acne. It wasn't until three weeks later that I realized something was wrong and went to see a dermatologis...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
1. The time interval has no specific correlation. 2. All cases are similar. 3. Generally, recovery occurs within 1-2 weeks, although a minority may develop chronic neuropathic pain, which can persist for several months to years. 4. The itching of the wound typically resolves with...[Read More] Understanding Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia: Key Insights and Recovery Tips
Understanding Shingles: Transmission, Care, and Precautions
The body has developed shingles? Recently, a family member developed shingles (herpes zoster) on their lower back. They have seen a doctor, but forgot to ask if it's safe to wash clothes together with theirs. Is the transmission route solely through direct contact? Could I g...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
It is safe to bathe together. If a family member has had chickenpox or has recently received the chickenpox vaccine, there is no need for concern. However, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox or newborns who have received the chickenpox vaccine should exercise caution.[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Transmission, Care, and Precautions
Could It Be Shingles? Understanding Skin Rashes and Symptoms
Could it be shingles??? Hello, doctor. Three days ago, I noticed two red rashes at the junction of my thigh and buttocks (one is about 1cm x 0.6cm, and the other is about 2cm x 0.3cm). I have been applying a corticosteroid ointment six to seven times a day, but it hasn't bee...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
1. No lesions were observed, making it impossible to determine whether it is herpes zoster or another issue. 2. If a diagnosis has not yet been confirmed, it is not advisable to continue using corticosteroid ointments. 3. If there are any concerns, one should seek medical att...[Read More] Could It Be Shingles? Understanding Skin Rashes and Symptoms
Understanding Scalp Tingling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Scalp tingling; which specialty should I consult? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have experienced several episodes of tingling in my scalp, specifically on the left side. Each time, it feels like my scalp is being shocked. Could you please explain what this might be and what symptoms...
Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
1. First, confirm the possibility of herpes zoster; 2. If there are no issues mentioned above, then consult a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Scalp Tingling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Effects, and Vision Concerns
Shingles issue? Hello, my grandfather has swelling near his nose. A dermatologist diagnosed it as shingles, but my grandfather does not experience any pain or itching. Could this be related to shingles? Additionally, there is also shingles under his eyelid. Could this potentially...
Dr. Yang Zhiya Reply:
Early-stage herpes zoster can be difficult to diagnose, and some individuals may not experience any neuralgic pain or itching symptoms at all. Lesions located on the tip of the nose are more likely to affect the eyes. If there are any changes in vision, it is advisable to seek ev...[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Effects, and Vision Concerns
Understanding Chickenpox and Its Connection to Herpes Zoster
Chickenpox issues After recovering from chickenpox, if my immune system is low, am I more likely to develop herpes zoster (shingles)? Since my mother recently had herpes zoster (the varicella-zoster virus), did I catch chickenpox from her? Is herpes zoster (the varicella-zoster v...
Dr. Yang Zhiya Reply:
1. After recovering from chickenpox, when immunity decreases, it may reactivate from the nerves, resulting in shingles. 2. Shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus. Individuals who have never had chickenpox can become infected with chickenpox if they come into contact...[Read More] Understanding Chickenpox and Its Connection to Herpes Zoster
Understanding Shingles: Recurrence, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies
Regarding shingles issues? Dear Doctor, I have a few questions regarding a family member who is currently suffering from shingles. 1. After the shingles resolves, it seems to recur immediately in nearby skin areas. This cycle of healing and recurrence forces my family member t...
Dr. Yang Zhiya Reply:
1. Herpes zoster rarely recurs unless in patients with compromised immunity, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplantation, or taking immunosuppressive medications. If the individual's immune system is generally healthy, it is more likely not herpes zoster but...[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Recurrence, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies
Understanding Shingles: Transmission Risks and Family Concerns
Disease (Forwarded from the Director's mailbox) Hello, I would like to ask a question, but I'm not sure where to find your public service mailbox, so I'm coming to you directly. A family member has developed shingles—herpes zoster. I have researched a lot of inform...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun Reply:
Hello: The contagiousness of shingles is very low because its transmission occurs when a person who has never had chickenpox directly touches the fluid from the shingles blisters and then touches their own mouth or nose. If Family Member A has shingles and Family Member B develop...[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Transmission Risks and Family Concerns
Post-Shingles Treatment: Understanding Confusion and Hallucinations in Elderly Patients
After treatment for herpes zoster, there were instances of nonsensical speech? Hello, Doctor Huang! My mother-in-law is in her eighties and, due to excessive stress and prolonged fatigue, developed herpes zoster three weeks ago (she has never had it before) and has experienced ab...
Dr. Huang Ruiyun Reply:
Hello: The tasks to be done are: 1. Discontinue the medications given for the treatment of shingles and <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/30129">#30129</a>; rash. 2. Refer the patient to a neurology outpatient clinic as soon as possible (preferably at the ...[Read More] Post-Shingles Treatment: Understanding Confusion and Hallucinations in Elderly Patients
Understanding Scalp Pain and Lymph Node Inflammation: What You Need to Know
Scalp pain or scalp tenderness? Hello, doctor. I have developed some lumps on my neck and behind my ear over the past few days! I went to see a doctor, and they said it is lymphadenitis, but the lump behind my ear makes my ear feel warm! Is this normal? Also, I have been experien...
Dr. Mao Mingya Reply:
Hello: Lymphadenitis may occur due to bacterial or viral infections, leading to the inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes. The lymph nodes located behind the ear primarily drain lymph from the scalp, mouth, and throat. Therefore, infections in these areas can cause lymphade...[Read More] Understanding Scalp Pain and Lymph Node Inflammation: What You Need to Know
Unexplained Red Bumps on Abdomen: Causes and Solutions Explained
Unusual redness and swelling on the abdomen? Hello Doctor, about three to four days ago, I noticed some unexplained redness and swelling on my abdomen. It looks similar to the marks left by flea bites or mosquito bites, with about six or seven spots clustered together. However, t...
Dr. Mao Mingya Reply:
Hello, Xiaocao: The photo appears to show clustered blisters, which are commonly seen in conditions such as herpes. Herpes includes both herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Herpes simplex typically manifests locally around the mouth and genital area, but can also occur on other par...[Read More] Unexplained Red Bumps on Abdomen: Causes and Solutions Explained
Understanding Shingles: Treatment Options and Recurrence Risks
Shingles Hello Doctor, I have just been diagnosed with shingles, and it has been a week since the onset. The blisters have not yet ruptured, and the affected area extends from my right rib cage to my back, causing severe unilateral neuropathic pain. I have heard that early treatm...
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Hello: Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems. This virus is one of the few microorganisms that can be effectively treated with antiviral medications. There are generally t...[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Treatment Options and Recurrence Risks
Understanding and Managing Pain from Shingles: What to Expect and How to Cope
Shingles Hello Dr. Huang: My mother recently developed shingles (herpes zoster), which appeared on her lower back and abdomen. It has been a week since she saw a doctor. The blisters are slowly healing, but she experiences sudden, severe pain without warning, which is unbearable....
Dr. Huang Ruiyun Reply:
Hello: It is quite common for this type of pain to persist for a period of time, especially in the elderly. You can consult a dermatologist or neurologist for medication management, and most cases will gradually improve. A statistical report indicates the following (regardless of...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Pain from Shingles: What to Expect and How to Cope
Effectiveness of Acyclovir vs. Diflucan for Treating Shingles
Measles Which of the two medications, Acyclovir or Valacyclovir, is more effective for herpes zoster? What are the side effects? Is topical hydrocortisone effective for herpes zoster? Can it be used in combination with these medications?
Dr. Zhang Zhibo Reply:
Dear Q: Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 5mg is a third-generation antihistamine derived from the second-generation Zyrtec (cetirizine 10mg), which improves upon the sedation and dizziness side effects associated with the second generation. The package insert states that cl...[Read More] Effectiveness of Acyclovir vs. Diflucan for Treating Shingles