What Can I Use To Stop The Itching Of The Shingles

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Get the Facts

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

What Is Shingles? Shingles is a very painful disease caused by the same herpes virus that causes chicken pox (varicella zoster virus). Like other herpes viruses, the varicella-zoster virus has an initial infectious stage, (chicken pox) followed by a dormant stage. Then, with no warning, the virus becomes active again. About 20% of people who have had chicken pox will eventually develop shingles. This reactivation of the virus is most likely to...

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itching from shingles

What meds can I apply to stop the itch of shingles. I've already taken my 5 day antibiotic treatment and am still applying the zovirax on my back, but the itch is intense. What can I do? ...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

One issue about your situation is whether you simply have itching from where the rash was versus post-herpetic nerve irritation (that can occur after shingles). Itching can often be relieved by topical steriods (ie cortisone), antihistamines, or... Read more »

Shingles=HIV ? (SHINGLES, 2009)

Hi,i'm 24 and was diagnosed w/ shingles after I developed a small circular rash on my shoulder. I got tested for HIV the same day but I feel like these are longest 2 weeks of my life. I haven't been sick nor have I had any abnormal female...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,Does a routine case of shingles mean HIV??? No. A routine case of shingles means a routine case of shingles and nothing more. See below.Dr. Bobplease dr bob.. 3rd time askin.. am i still freakin or hiv? (SHINGLES)Feb 20, 2008 dr bob.. i have... Read more »

Shingles with past "low risk" exposures (SHINGLES, 2010)

Thanks for reading my question, by the looks of your site you are all VERY busy. My concern is this. I am a 43yo male who has had exposures in my recent past with guys, oral only. I usually just recieve, but on occasion have given. I have never...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,The vast majority of cases of shingles have absolutely nothing to do with HIV/AIDS. See below. Regarding your HIV test results, the CDC guidelines indicate HIV-antibody tests taken prior to the three-month mark are not considered to be... Read more »

Recently stopped meds(2 weeks ago), starting to get "things", ie:(shingles, thrush, etc.)

I recently stopped meds due to, too many side effects. However, I am scared now because of the fact that I have had a breakout of shingles(w/ great dibilitating pain), on my left buttocks. I have had shingles at least 11 x's during my 20 yrs...

Response from Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D.

Rocky Mountain CARES

Dear Dave in Rochester, In general, I wouldn't necessarily tie the discontinuation of your HIV medications with the onset of shingles-- not an absolute, but it be less usual.On the other hand, discontinuation of your preventive acyclovir can... Read more »

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Shingles = HIV?

Posted by grcboy30, 5 Replies

Hi there.
I had chicken pox at 5 years old so can develop shingles. I haven't been to the doctor yet but have what I am pretty sure is shingles on the side of my chest (a pink rash which is itchy with bumps). I am terrified of HIV. I am only 30... Read more »

Oral sex with a young guy who has shingles

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

Hey folks, at 36 & recently out of a gay, eight year monogamous relationship I have reentered the dating scene. I've been sexually active with a 28 year old male in the last several weeks, and he was diagnosed with a case of shingles last week.... Read more »

This constant itch

Posted by oldwoman, 7 Replies

I've talked to others who complain about itching on their legs,and I have it too,it's constant but usually bearable,today is one of the bad days and I can't stop scratching at myself(I feel like I need a flea collar on)It's just won't stop.I've... Read more »

Can I get Shingles from another Poz guy if I had ?

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Can I get shingles from another poz person even if I already had them myself in the past??? Read more »

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