shingles, Dermatology FAQ

Does L-Arginine Increase Herpes Virus Activity in Patients?

L-arginine Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask if taking L-arginine can increase the activity of the herpes virus? I had shingles a few years ago and I'm wondering if taking arginine could cause a recurrence.

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
It shouldn't be the case.

Understanding Skin Pain: Causes of Touch Sensitivity Without Visible Symptoms

Skin contact causes pain? A while ago, I experienced pain in the skin of my arm that felt like a sharp sting upon touch, similar to sunburn, but there were no visible changes. After two to three days, it resolved on its own, but then I started to feel pain in my palm, again with ...

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
It's uncertain, as I haven't seen it in person, but we need to consider the possibility of shingles and observe it for a week.

Can You Get Shingles Vaccine If You're Unsure About Chickenpox?

Shingles vaccine Hello, doctor: I previously read online that if someone has had chickenpox, it is best to receive the shingles vaccine. However, if I don't remember having chickenpox, can I still get vaccinated? Could getting the vaccine cause harm?

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
No, the Ministry of Health and Welfare recommends vaccination only for those aged 50 and above.

Can I Get the Shingles Vaccine Before Turning 50?

Shingles vaccine Hello Dr. Wu: I am not yet 50 years old, but I would like to receive the shingles vaccine. Can I pay for it out of pocket?

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
Sure, our hospital has not yet introduced that medication. Please inquire with hospitals that have it available before proceeding.

Should My 65-Year-Old Diabetic Father Get the Shingles Vaccine After an Outbreak?

Shingles vaccine My father is 65 years old and has diabetes. He recently had a severe case of shingles. Since the recurrence rate of shingles is low, I would like to know if he still needs to receive the shingles vaccine?

Dr. Li Yufen Reply:
Hello: If you have recently contracted shingles, the antibody levels in your body will be elevated, and there is no need to receive the vaccine in the short term. Thank you!

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...

Can the New Herpes Vaccine Help Manage Recurring Outbreaks?

Herpes vaccine Hello Doctor, I have been dealing with a herpes simplex issue for several years. It tends to recur during cold weather or when I am more fatigued. I would like to ask if the recently released herpes vaccine might have a "potential" to improve my condition...

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
It's ineffective because simple herpes and shingles are different. It's recommended to exercise more, get less sleep deprivation, and boost your immunity instead.

Where to Get Shingles Vaccine and Cost Details in Taiwan

Shingles Where can I get the shingles vaccine from a doctor, and what is the cost? If the skin has improved after the outbreak but nerve pain persists, can I still receive the vaccine?

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
The shingles vaccine typically costs around 6,000 to 7,000 TWD, and it is available at some medical facilities. It is recommended to call in advance to inquire. If you have already had shingles, you do not need to receive the vaccine.

Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips for Recovery

Herpes Zoster Recently, an elderly person at home developed shingles on the left shoulder. After a month of treatment, the doctor said it had healed and there was no need for further visits. However, he continues to complain about itchy skin that prevents him from sleeping. Initi...

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
Postherpetic neuralgia symptoms such as pain, itching, and numbness can affect quality of life or sleep, and medical attention should be sought. The sores on the right side of the neck and in the oral cavity may be separate issues that require further investigation. There are no ...

Can Someone Who Never Had Chickenpox Care for Shingles Patients?

Shingles Is it safe for someone who has never had chickenpox to care for a patient with shingles? Is there a risk of infection? Thank you!

Dr. Li Yufen Reply:
Hello: After a varicella virus infection, it remains dormant in the body. When immunity decreases, the varicella virus can reactivate and cause shingles. Therefore, it is not recommended for individuals who have never had chickenpox to care for patients with shingles, as they may...

Can Shingles Spread to the Other Side of the Face?

Is it possible for facial shingles to spread to the other side? Before the Lunar New Year, I developed shingles on the left side of my face and saw a doctor, and I took medication. After the New Year, I was left with noticeable red spots on my face. Recently, over the past two da...

Dr. Li Yufen Reply:
Hello: Generally, shingles occurs unilaterally. The redness and itching on the right side of the face suggest that you should consult a dermatologist nearby to confirm the diagnosis. Thank you!

Understanding Skin Reactions: Redness and Bumps from Skincare Products

Redness and heat caused by skincare products? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you two questions. 1. I currently have many small, fine rashes on my facial skin that can be itchy at times. Occasionally, when the itching subsides, I notice a small blister suddenly appearing, wh...

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
Question 1: It is likely that the eczema is caused by hot and humid weather or changes in the environment. Question 2: It is possible; you can stop using it for now, and once the skin condition improves, you can try using it again to see the results.

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...

Could These Symptoms Indicate Shingles? Understanding the Signs

Is it shingles? Hello, a few days ago I experienced a localized "tingling" sensation in my left back. I initially thought it was due to poor sleeping posture. The next day, I noticed that the left side of my scalp was painful to the touch (without any rash). By last nig...

Dr. Yang Zhiya Reply:
Hello, in the early stages without a rash, it is difficult to confirm whether it is shingles. However, I still recommend that you consult an otolaryngologist to check for any other changes or diagnoses in your throat. Thank you!

Understanding Shingles: Can You Get It Without Having Chickenpox?

Shingles issues Hello, I recently had shingles. However, I am certain that I have never had chickenpox, as I received the chickenpox vaccine during middle school. Why did I still get shingles?

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
First, it is essential to confirm whether the diagnosis of shingles is accurate. If it is confirmed: 1. Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the body (in the nerve ganglia), so one must have been previously infected with the varicella...

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...

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...

Is It Herpes? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options

Is it herpes? Hello! I would like to ask about the inner thigh area near the groin. Two weeks ago, I experienced an electric shock-like numbness. One week later, four red spots appeared, and sometimes there is a stabbing pain. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that one of them ha...

Dr. Wu Yuxin Reply:
If it is confirmed that you had shingles four years ago, the likelihood of getting it again is quite low. Instead, the chances of having a simple herpes infection are higher. However, without a proper examination, a diagnosis cannot be made. It is advisable to seek medical attent...

Understanding the Differences Between Cold Sores and Shingles

The differences between oral herpes and shingles? 1. Is the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores at the corners of the mouth the same virus that causes shingles? 2. Generally, once someone has experienced cold sores, they are more likely to have outbreaks. Does this mean t...

Dr. Huang Ruiyun Reply:
Hello: 1. No. 2. There is no connection between the two. Wishing you peace of mind.

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...

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