When Do Shingles Stop Itching

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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 »

More about shingles

I had written last week about how when i take my combivir and viramune,my counts go great but i have shingles immediatly every time.I am wondering now if i am confusing shingles with something else because the times i have had shingles,it is...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Shingles is due to the varicella virus (Herpes zoster). It would be unsual though possible to have recurrent outbreaks as you describe. An evaluation be a dermatologist is strongly recommended to make the proper diagnosis. Flares of skin problem... 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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