What Kind Of Pain Is Associated With 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...

Ask the Experts

Herpes-Zoster-Shingles

I have had an acne type bump of the back of my neck...how would I know if it is zoster or shingles? I'm cd4-253/19000vl..its been there about three weeks...a friend who died in '94 had them on the back of his neck...my partner died in...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

It sounds more like a small boil (furuncle) or folliculitis (infection of a hair follicle) than shingles or herpes. I suggest you get a doctor to look at it.... Read more »

Shingles (herpes zoster)

What is the average amount of time or average T-cell count for shingles to occur after being infected with HIV?...

Response from Rick Sowadsky, M.P.H.

Nevada State Health Division AIDS Program

Thank you for your question.Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is caused by a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (the virus that causes chickenpox). There are an estimated 300,000 cases of shingles every year in the USA alone. Shingles... 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 »

SHINGLES AND CD4 COUNT.

Hello There, Doctor.I have developed a case of shingles since 7 days ago with the typical burning sensation, etc.. I got the skin lesions on my left arm and my Dr. prescribed 1 mg of acyclovir twice daily and cream on the lesions. My last labs...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hey Richard,Sorry to hear about your recent case of shingles. OUCHAMAGOUCHA! They can be damn annoying and uncomfortable. Responding to your specific questions:1. You want me to explain why your doctor seemed baffled? Hmm. That would be difficult,... Read more »

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Freaking Out:Jblue and Other Kind Souls!!

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Hey People...I don't know what to do:Every symptom that seems to be worht a look and is associated with HIV ,I seem to have,I'm NOT imagining these things:
Anyway long and the short of it is I started out with bumps on my penis and subsequently what... Read more »

shingles

Posted by tboy, 2 Replies

last week I was diagnosed with shingles. I didn't get nearly the attention of the doctors or information I needed. Oh sure I recieved a prescription but not much information. I'm taking acyclovir (sp?) It is painful to sleep and my leg looks... Read more »

shingles?

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

i had a sexual encounter yesterday with a guy who appeared to have shingles. when i asked him he said it was eczema, which i did not argue, but while changing him in sexual positions i did noticed that the shingles were in his ankles, and other body... Read more »

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 »

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