What Rash Can Mimic 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

Do all shingles rashes blister?

My shingles rash remained flat on my stomach and back. It's been more than 5 weeks now, and my rash never blistered?!...

Response from Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C.

Stanford University, School of Medicine

How do you know it was shingles? That is also a very long time for the rash to still be present. What is your CD4 count?... Read more »

Can PEP meds mimic ARS? (PEP AND THE NEED FOR HIV SPECIALIST, 2009)

Hi Dr. Bob,Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for people who find themselves scared and bewildered. A twist of humor is also helpful.I have searched the archives. Simple question, I think, can PEP meds side effects mimic ARS?...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi Amas,Simple question, yes. However, the answer is not quite so simple! HIV acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) symptoms are quite variable from case to case. These symptoms are also "non-specific," which means they can be caused by many... 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 »

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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 »

SHINGLES -- PLEASE RESPOND

Posted by scaredtodeath, 2 Replies

I hope someone will respond and let me know if I really have something to be worried about. I recently have had sex with two people in the past six weeks. With both guys I performed oral sex on them (without ejaculation) and had protected... Read more »

Que es el rash

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

que es el rash como se manifiesta que caracteristicas tinene tiene picazon etc etc????????? Read more »

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