Chicken Pox

The quintessential childhood disease

Chicken pox (sometimes written chickenpox), a highly contagious and uncomfortable viral disease, was once considered a rite of passage for all children. Now, however, vaccines are available to protect us from chicken pox infection. Complications from chicken pox are rare but can be serious when they occur in the very young, the very old, or those with weak immune systems.

What is chicken pox?

Chicken pox is a viral infection caused by the vericella zoster virus, which usually produces lifetime immunity in people who have been previously infected.

How does one get chicken pox?

Chicken pox is highly communicable and can spread through the air (from a cough or a sneeze) or through direct contact with an infected person. The chicken pox virus can be spread from two days prior to the onset of the rash until about four days after the appearance of the rash.

Who can get chicken pox?

Chicken pox is most often seen in children, but anybody who has not had chicken pox or a vericella zoster vaccine is susceptible Adult chicken pox is not seen as often only because most people contract chicken pox in childhood and develop lifetime immunity.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Initial chicken pox symptoms are fever and general malaise, possibly including headache, nausea and fatigue.

The appearance of an initial lesion is the telltale sign of chicken pox. The lesions are itchy, raised red welts that develop a crusted center.

The chicken pox rash may appear on all surfaces of the body, including palms of hands, soles of feet, scalp, mucous membranes and even eyes. The number of lesions varies greatly from person to person; some people develop only a few spots while others have hundreds. Older people tend to have more lesions.

How is chicken pox treated?

The chicken pox rash can be treated with calamine lotion, topical treatments containing oatmeal, and antihistamines.

Fever and headache may be reduced with the use of acetaminophen. Aspirin should not be used for treating chicken pox because it has been associated with Reye's syndrome.

Antiviral drugs like acyclovir may be prescribed for people who do not have a normal immune system in order to shorten the duration of symptoms and prevent complications.

What are possible complications from chicken pox?

Most people do not suffer any complications from chicken pox. However, in people with weak immune systems, pneumonia is the most common complication.

What can be done to prevent chicken pox?

A chicken pox vaccine is available in both live and killed forms. Individuals with compromised immune systems (or who live with somebody with a compromised immune system who has not had chicken pox) will usually be given the killed vaccine. Since 1995, the widespread use of the chicken pox vaccine has greatly reduced the incidence of the disease.

The Shingles Chicken Pox Connection

Once a person has recovered from chicken pox, the virus lays dormant in certain nerve cells in the body, but it is capable of becoming active again. When this happens, it is called herpes zoster or shingles.

What is shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection characterized by a painful rash, usually on the torso.

How does one get shingles?

There is no separate shingles virus. Both chicken pox and shingles are caused by the vericella zoster virus, so anybody who has had chicken pox is also at risk for getting shingles.

What are the causes of shingles outbreaks?

Emotional stress or immune deficiency are considered likely precursors to shingles outbreaks, but all of the causes are not known.

What are shingles symptoms?

The eruption of an itchy and painful blistery rash on the torso (typically near the waistline, but not always), usually on one side of the body, is the most significant sign of shingles. Burning or tingling may precede the appearance of the shingles rash, and symptoms typically persist for three to five weeks.

Is shingles contagious?

Yes, in a way. A person who has not had chicken pox can contract chicken pox from a person who has an active case of shingles. However, shingles itself is not transmitted from person to person. Shingles is merely the reactivation of the vericella zoster virus that a person already has in his or her body from a prior chicken pox infection.

What is available in the way of shingles treatment?

Shingles treatment includes the administration of antiviral drugs (acyclovir, valcyclovir or famcyclovir) and the application of topical treatments for the rash, similar to those for chicken pox. A vaccine is in development for protection specifically against shingles, but it is not yet available to the public.

By Margaret Johnson Doran

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Posted on 1/20/2013 11:27:00 PM by Anonymous

Have you ever heard of someone going paralized from having the shingles on the spine? I've had shingle since I was a little girl, been in the hospital with them i have many Doctor say yes they are shingles and no they arent shingle so who do you go to to get the right answers??? Im 60 yrs old now and whin I get them i can hardly walk. my spine is in so much pain so i dont know if you can get parlized? SO what do I do?????

Posted on 9/27/2011 8:05:00 PM by Anonymous

Im 14 and i never had the chicken pox but my whole family has... Some of my friends even got it a day after the chicken pox shot.... How can i take car of a friend that has the chicken pox without getting it bc he is very ill,sneezy etc...

Posted on 6/27/2011 2:11:00 PM by Anonymous

can i have shingles with out the rash?

Posted on 10/7/2010 8:48:00 PM by Anonymous

when can you start excercizing? I was told sweating is not good I'm in week # 2 everything has dried up. Am I still contagious?

Posted on 3/5/2010 1:11:00 PM by Anonymous

I became ill after a tooth broke and began taking a powerful 875 mg of Amoxcillian to be taken 10 days.. On the eighth day I started taking 50,000 vitamin D also, as I was severely low in vitamin D..the next night night I awoke with a severe pain in my shoulder that grew worse and worse, then my right mid back broke out in red blistery swollen bumps It was shingles. I had some old time Grandpa's Tar Soap lathered it up and put it on and left it, immediately the excruciating pain stopped and now two days later they are drying up, swelling is leaving.It has worked a miracle in my life. I am 66 and had chicken pox as a child. I am not sure if my infection and or the powerful medicine activated the virus, all I know is I am better. I hope this will work for others.

Posted on 1/30/2010 11:40:00 AM by Anonymous

i had chicken pox when i was three years old,after been emotionally stressed out i developed shingles.i really thought i broke my shoulder when i started getting the pain,but upon going to the doctor he diagnose it to be shingles.i am using panadine forte and aciclovir for it i am 26 yrs now.but still the pain is unbearable.

Posted on 1/16/2010 3:58:00 PM by Anonymous

i dont think i have ever had chicken pox but yesterday was diagnosed with shingles. can you get shingles after having the chicken pox vaccine? should i cover the blisters with a blister bandage or leave them uncovered?

Posted on 12/11/2009 6:36:00 AM by Anonymous

hay ui heard that you should only get a case of the POX one in a lifetime, now i bed to differ because my cousin and i have had the POX more than once, i have had it three times before the age of 12 and my cousin 11 times before the age of 16, now im just saying that other people need to know all they can and not be given the wrong infomation. From, Brodie White.

Posted on 10/2/2009 1:38:00 AM by Anonymous

FYI: My 18yr old son has beed diagnosed with shingles. He has been on acutain for his acne eight months. The course of acutain lasts six months. His derm doc said he could continue for an extra two months because his case was so severe. He developed a bad bacterial infection on his face from sleeping on a friends couch. With antibiotics it cleared up. Weeks later after sleeping on that couch again ended up in the ER with a shingles diagnosis. Acutain has bad side affects. I think compromises the amune system. Skyler is now refered to a nurologist after three weeks of severe pain on right side torso.

Posted on 9/14/2009 3:14:00 PM by Anonymous

Can you get shingles without the rash?

Posted on 9/13/2009 2:13:00 PM by Anonymous

I never had chiken pox before, now im 29 and i would like to get a shot. can anybody help me where should i go to get one? i live in bethesda marylad. thank you all

Posted on 8/9/2009 10:27:00 AM by Anonymous

My daughter is 10 and was diagnosed yesterday with shingles. What can I give her for the pain?

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:29:00 PM by Anonymous

I never had chiken pox before, now im 29 and i would like to get a shot. can anybody help me where should i go to get one? i live in bethesda marylad. thank you all

Posted on 8/8/2009 8:31:00 AM by Anonymous

I have Shingles on both arms. I thought it could affect only one side of a person. Can this be confirmed by anyone?

Posted on 8/2/2009 11:56:00 AM by Anonymous

Can you tell me if you can still have the shingles without a rash? I have neuropathic pain halfway around my waist but no rash. It hurts to have clothes on and I feel bad.

Posted on 6/15/2009 11:27:00 AM by Anonymous

I came down with chicken pox 9 days ago at age 44. No fever , only headaches the first 3 days and some itching. The rashes are mostly on my scalp, face, neck and torso. The discomfort is not something you want to go through especially as an adult. If I only knew I never had it as a kid, I would have gotten vaccinated. That's what pisses me off cause it could have been prevented. So to all you parents, keep track of your children's illnesses, immunization records.... My mom doesn't have a clue what childhood illnesses I had. So now I am thinking of getting vaccinated for everything.

Posted on 6/10/2009 1:54:00 PM by Anonymous

My daughter has been diagnosed with chicken pox three times. Is that even possible...should I get a second opinion?

Posted on 5/22/2009 1:49:00 PM by Anonymous

is shingles contagious?

Posted on 5/8/2009 9:12:00 PM by Anonymous

can shingles be as small as a dime? all i have is three , raised, fluid filled bumps. the area is at the top of my thigh in back. this area is red and not really that itchy, but when i touch the bumps, they hurt. i've never had this odd pain before.

Posted on 5/3/2009 12:20:00 AM by Anonymous

I was bitten by a deer tick last week and treated with 2 tablets fo Doxycycline each 100mg caps, immediately before the SHINGLES outbreak. Is there any possiblity that this treatment for Lymes Disease prevention, caused my SHINGLES outbreak. I am also at home on disability for a ruptured disc and have taken an number of pain killers Percaset/Oxycodone-apap, Cyclobenzaprine, Ibuprofen, Vicatin, Neurontin, and a steroid, Methyl prednisolone. I have also taken Lovaza for cholesterol issues, Vitamin D 1.25mg per week, and various forms of calcium(calcium lactate...Tums/calcium carbonate....

Posted on 4/15/2009 11:47:00 AM by Anonymous

I had shingles on the left side of my eye and head a year and a half ago. I stopped dying my hair and it is totally grey now. I would like to know if dying my hair would be detrimental.

Posted on 4/13/2009 4:03:00 PM by Anonymous

I am a 60 year old female, diagnosed with shingles last October and have had recurring outbreaks every 6 weeks or so. I have taken Valtrex eacy time as prescribed. The spot is on my buttocks, and the pain is excrutiating, running down my leg to my ankle and then over to my big toe. Does anyone who has recurring shingles keep getting them in or about the same area? Mine are always near the same spot. The skin never seems to clear, always stays purplish even after treatment, so I am thinking that maybe I never really clear the rash. Stress, exhaustion, depression all played a part in getting this, and continue to add to this situation. Is there anyone who has been diagnosed with shingles only to find out that it is something else?

Posted on 3/31/2009 11:30:00 AM by Anonymous

I have some pimple looking bumps behind my ear. could this be shingles

Posted on 3/31/2009 9:55:00 AM by Anonymous

I supposedly never had chickenpox as a child (was exposed plenty, but never showed symptoms). My brother never had them nor did my mother. Yet, I developed shingles last month. How could this be - I thought you had to have had chickenpox to develop shingles.

Posted on 3/31/2009 9:14:00 AM by Anonymous

I have had shingles since I was 4 yrs. old. I went to quite a few doctors and they all did cultures and it always comes back shingles. The doctors say it is rare for children to get shingles, but kids can get them. I am now thirty and I still get them when I am really upset and stressed or if I get a bad sunburn where I usually get my shingles (on my side) I hope everybody also knows you can get shingles inside your body too. They have antibiotics for that also. I use zovirax cream and pills because that works the best for me.

Posted on 3/29/2009 6:58:00 PM by Anonymous

I was diagnosed with shingles in Oct, 08. I am 56 years old. My mother always told me I never had chickenpox as a child. I had a blood test for antibodies and it came back that I do not have antibodies for chickenpox, so my mother was right. I never had chickenpox. So, how could I have had shingles? My doc now wants me to get vaccinated for chickenpox. What if the blood test was wrong and I did have chickenpox and I am vacinnated. Is that harmful. I am so confused. Any suggestions?

Posted on 3/28/2009 12:50:00 PM by Anonymous

I developed shingles early in Dec. '08-finally began to feel fairly free of them by mid Jan.,then developed them again-so here is the end of March, and they seem to be starting again. Started acyclovir for the third time-Dr gave me unlimited refills- but wonder if i will ever be completely free of them-am 78 -so maybe when I'm dead?? Any hope out there??

Posted on 3/27/2009 6:38:00 PM by Anonymous

My son is only 13 years old, is it possible for him to have shingles? He did have a very slight case of chicken pox as a small child. He didn't show me the rash until after he had scratched them. But I've had several people tell me that he has shingles. He's had the rash for over a week, should I still take him to the doctor?

Posted on 3/26/2009 1:47:00 PM by Anonymous

Pat, please go to the Doctor, as there is a 72 hour window from the time the first blisters show up for the Medicine to work. Good luck.

Posted on 3/25/2009 7:33:00 PM by Anonymous

I went to my Dr. today and have Shingles on one side of my forehead and temple. There are a couple on my eyelids, so I'm going to the Eye Doctor in the morning. I didn't know what was going on when the pain started and my nerves were acting up. It felt like bugs under my skin (for lack of a better description). So he put me on Valtrex and gave me the Shingles Shot. It cost $180. For relief, I kept taking two Advil and use Cortizone anti-itch cream. But the best relief comes when I dad Milk of Magnesia on the blisters. It doesn't look good, but it feels fine. Shingles are horrible and God Bless All of you who are going thru this..

Posted on 3/25/2009 7:31:00 PM by Anonymous

I believe I have developed shingles as I seem to have all the systems except for the rash. Most of the severe pain has subsided a bit, but I still have burning and tingling and numbness in my left arm and hand/fingers. pat

Posted on 3/24/2009 4:09:00 PM by Anonymous

Thanks for the site. I am 33 and was diagnosed with shingles (on one side of my forehead/scalp) 4 days ago. The doc gave antiviral, steroid and pain meds. It started about 7 days ago with extreme skin sensitivity (I had to keep looking in the mirror because it felt like my scalp had fallen off, exposing the flesh underneath - it was that sensitive) accompanied by a constant mild/moderate headache for several days that would pierce every once in a while (to the verge of blacking out and with enough pain to almost drop me to my knees), but the piercing only lasting about 1 second (thank God!). Sometimes it would pierce every minute for 10-15 minutes and sometimes it would be an hour between them. I also felt symptoms like panic attacks - an abnormally racing/thumping heartbeat with tightness in the chest - not sure if that's from the stress pushing the shingles or from the shingles themselves. A rash developed about 5 days ago on the edge of my forehead near my temple - I was embarrased, thinking it was acne from rubbing the pain in my head - until my doctor made me look closely and they were definitely blisters, not acne. The meds handle all the pain (but I definitely know/feel when it's time to take the next dose), but there doesn't seem to be any change to the blisters yet (reading this site, I think I'll try the fresh aloe remedy). I have two children, one will be 1 year old next week and she hasn't yet been immunized (her appointment is next week). I haven't been near her in 4 days (to avoid giving her the virus), which is killing me - she reaches out to me and all I can do is talk to her and wave from a distance....

Posted on 3/24/2009 11:30:00 AM by Anonymous

what if you are beakng t all over your body and itichng all over? should i see a doctor? and i tch every night arund the same time for e last two weeks.

Posted on 3/23/2009 6:15:00 AM by Anonymous

For any of the peple writing in on recent dates, about having shingles. The vaccine is now available to the public. I work in a pharmacy and we give the vaccine. Once you have gotten Shingles and don't have active and open sores you could look into getting it. It is not cheap. But, may bring some relief to later outbreaks. Look into it!!

Posted on 3/22/2009 2:32:00 AM by Anonymous

My daughter just had a baby and I have been helping. I now think I have shingles. Is it ok to be around a newborn?

Posted on 3/11/2009 7:52:00 PM by Anonymous

I was recently diagnosised with shingles on one side of my "dimple" above my butt cheeks. There must be a better way to describe the location. Anyway, a culture has been run but no esults yet. In the meantime, the blishtes broke and drained on their own. Now what? Anyone has a similar experiencfe? I thought I had another kind of cycst that needed to be removed. No severe pain although I am on a number of heavy duty pain meds. for chronic pain.

Posted on 3/10/2009 9:50:00 PM by Anonymous

could I possibly have an outbreak of shingles (Ive be diagnosed and treated in the past) without a rash present after 6 weeks

Posted on 3/9/2009 8:50:00 PM by Anonymous

I HAVE BEEN HAVING SHINGES THERE IS 6 WEEKS . I AM 54. WHAT MY THING IS I AM SO TIRED,EXHAUSTED. IS THIS NORMAL. I CAN'T WAIT EVERY NIGHT TO COME JUST TO GO LIE DOWN. I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE BURNING FOR 2 WEEKS . IT IS LIKE IT TOOK OVER MY LIFE. I JUST DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING.

Posted on 3/5/2009 12:00:00 PM by Anonymous

im a 23 year college swimmer. i was diagnosed with shingles a couple years ago. the only thing is i get mine on my face!!!! the most common place is around the torso and bacc but for me i get it on the worst place ever.... i dont even want to go to school because of this. i havnt had a break out in about a year but i get them at least once a year. i have tried everyhting to stop them from getting out of control. it starts with one blister maybe n my cheek then on the side of my eye and maybe by my nose.... thiskills my appernce and these things hurt..... i go into a deep depression when his happens and it stresses me out more to the point i cry because i feel like my life is over.... but i learned from this last break out that rubbing aloe vera plant on them sooths my pain and stops it from spreading

Posted on 3/5/2009 12:15:00 AM by Anonymous

I have had the chickenpox as a child, and I'm worried that I know have shingles. I'm 28 weeks pregnant so I went to my OBGYN two dr's checked me out and said they couldn't say it was or that it wasn't Shingles!?? The area affected felt uncomfortable a couple days ago now I have two rashes on my left side they are Extremely unconfortable and wake me up at night. I have never had a random rash before and never heard of one hurting this bad for it to not be shingles. Combined with the fact that I'm leaving my husband and I'm pregant, and moving in with my parents is Extremely stressfull so I just can' t help but assume that I am experiencing shingles.? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Posted on 3/4/2009 12:27:00 PM by Anonymous

What if you think you have them but have had them for some time now......???? I have a patch on the back left hand side of my head but always thought it was a bad case of dandruff...so i have not talked to my dr about it......SUGGESTIONS!

Posted on 3/4/2009 9:03:00 AM by Anonymous

I f a pregnant woman is immune to chickenpox,does she have to worry about being exposed to active shingles? What if she is not immune?

Posted on 2/24/2009 7:51:00 PM by Anonymous

when a close friend contracts shingles, my gut feeling is not to be in close contact, if you are under emotional stress and have a low resistence to picking up infection. i am shocked that my doctor has a case of shingles and am perplexed whether to keep my appt. what is the best thing to do. wait for her to recover or terminnate treatment with doctor.

Posted on 2/22/2009 8:51:00 PM by Anonymous

My 18 year old son was diagnosed with shingles 6 weeks ago. He had chicken pox as a young child. He took an anti-biotic specifically for shingles. He also took Darvacet for pain and Neurontin for nerve pain. Even after the sores were gone, he continued to take the nerve pain medication. This was the only relief he could get from the "stabbing" sensation. Since then, he's had strep throat and now he has a herpes virus in his mouth - terrible, painful sores that have kept him from eating. The Dr. told us today that he COULD have gotten them from kissing his girlfriend, who had a cold sore. He prescribed rinsing his mouth with a tetraycline rinse and putting a prescribed paste on the sores to numb them. The Dr. has assured us he will not get the sores in his mouth again, but he could get Shingles again. Guess we'll see.

Posted on 2/22/2009 7:30:00 PM by Anonymous

hi everyone im a 35 year old female and i just found out that i got shingles but i dont have any aching pain ,headache, etc. i pretty much just have a small rash on my back that looks like a diagnal line. my dr put me on valtrex and silvadine(cream). im gonna get a second opinion though just to be on the safe side. god bless everyone and hope everyone gets better!!!!

Posted on 2/22/2009 6:54:00 PM by Anonymous

Thank you for this ... I am 43 and this morning woke up with chicken pox. I never had it as a child and am a little afraid. I was relieved to find this information online and will see my doctor to make sure this doesn't become more serious for me. Thanks for the at-home remedies and for the detailed information. It really helped me!

Posted on 2/20/2009 1:21:00 PM by Anonymous

I have been trying an apple cider vinager cocktail which consists of 2 tablespoons ACV and 6 oz of water two times daily it certainly has been relieving the pain for me. Also soak strips of brown paper bag in ACV and cover with plastic to prevent from drying out and leave on leasions for about 1/2 hour, it really relieved the pain.

Posted on 2/19/2009 8:24:00 PM by Anonymous

After suffering with the pain and itching for almost 2 weeks, I tried Desitin on my rash last night. I don't know if it's coincidence or not, maybe the meds finally kicked in, but I had no pain and had a good nights sleep with very little pain. It really helped with the itching.

Posted on 2/18/2009 9:50:00 PM by Anonymous

Are there HOLISTIC cures for Shingles?

Posted on 2/17/2009 10:30:00 PM by Anonymous

Short and too the point very helpful

Posted on 2/16/2009 3:35:00 PM by Anonymous

I have had shingles and the pain is the worst i went to pain management specialist they gave me nerve blocks and that is the only thing to releave the pain other than the cream you can use on the break outs DW Of Missouri

Posted on 2/16/2009 1:17:00 PM by Anonymous

I sure wish they'd hurry up with the vaccine for shingles. I have shingles...the symptoms started almost a week before I knew I had it, I had to diagnose it myself after noticing a rash. When I first started having symptoms, I went to the ER thinking I had either gall stones or kidney stones, after a CT scan and ultrasound and them sending me on my merry way with Tylenol with codeine, which did no good. 6 days later after noticing I had a rash, and deducting I had shingles, went to my doctor and he confirmed...shingles. I am on Acyclovir and Gabapentin, both generic meds, they don't seem like they are working but I am starting to feel a little better. The Gabapentin makes me feel like I'm drunk and even ran into the wall going to the restroom last night! The pain is the worst at night, I have gotten mostly interrupted sleep and not much of it. Please tell me this doesn't last a month like everyone tells me. It would be nice to sleep all night. The pain is horrible. I only have a little rash so I guess that's the good part. I heard that apple cider vinegar will help with the itching and healing and am going to try that. If you look up herbal remedies for shingles, maybe something will be there that will hep you. My doctor told me not to put anything on the rash so I'm a little reluctant but how can herbal remedies hurt. I know what you're all going through, you're not alone!

Posted on 2/15/2009 8:44:00 PM by Anonymous

I had shingles about 16 years ago and ever since I get sores in my mouth whenever my immune system is compromised like when I have a cold or flu or otherwise am not up to standard. I cannot get rid of them by using any of the many over the counter remedies and my doctor usually prescribes Keflex which seems to work. However, today I asked my dentist about this and he said I should not take Keflex that it is a dangerous drug and it is not for viral infections which he says this is. He suggested I get thenew vaccine shot offered for shingles. Do you think this is good advice. I have had three different doctors give me Keflex in the past. I would like to be able to get rid of this once and for all. Sometimes the sores are on my tonge and it gets swollen so much I can hardly eat. I never had this before the shingles. Help.

Posted on 2/12/2009 11:27:00 PM by Anonymous

Help!! I am a 29 year old female who was just diagnosed with shingles. I was given prescription valtrex to take. It does not seem to help with the burning and stinging that I feel. I have been told that it will get worse before it gets better. I am in alot of pain and can barely sleep at night. Does anyone know of a topical medicine that can be used to help the pain? The doctor just told me to continue the valtrex and wait. I can't wait. I am raising 3 boys by myself, while my husband works out of town. I am guessing stress is the reason for me getting them. Please Help!!

Posted on 2/12/2009 7:08:00 PM by Anonymous

my 3 year od daughter was just diagnosed with shingles tonight..shes having a hard time having bowel movements has a belt like rash around her theigh with little white blisters on them..2 people in my house have never had chicken pox and none of us have had shingles..wht would bring this on such a young little girl? i dont understand. could she be stressed at her age?? alls she was givin for medication was sapositories and calimine lotion and childrens tylenol. i thought u was supposed to get some kind of treatment..im clueless about this illness...i feel so bad for her i wish i could take this from her..how long before it will go away? and i have a 1 year old neice living in my house right now to.

Posted on 2/12/2009 1:30:00 AM by Anonymous

I had Shingles over 40 years ago. When the Doctor finally saw me I was in great pain around my torso and blisters on my inner thigh. He gave me a prescirption for Codeine, telling me I would need it soon. I thought about the Yoga positions I practiced a that time and began the two for the nerves. (I recall one was lying on the floor on my back - grabbing my knees to my chest and then rocking back and forth from my head to the end/length of my spine.) Within 48 hours the pain began decreasing noticeably. By the time I received my bill for the Doctor's visit a couple weeks later all pain was gone and the blisters were healing quickly. I could write back to him and tell him about the amazing cure I had found for Shingles. Isuggested he tell any patients to do the same.

Posted on 2/10/2009 1:41:00 PM by Anonymous

god afternoon all. my name is cheryl i am 44 years old. have been experiencing reoccuring shingles for some years now. i had hodgkins cancer at 17 yrs old. six yrs later had pre-cancerous condition of the cervics. four yrs ago under went open heart surgery, since then it seems i have been having more reoccuring epidsodes of shingles. to the person about the swellen, yes swellen is part of the symptoms. i experience the pain at first in a general area i can't specify wether it will the right or left because i have had it all over. then the itching, that's when i realize i am having a breakout. the itching gets so bad, but when you itch it gets worse you yourself can spread it to other areas. so you don't want to itch. the pain is so bad you don't want to itch it anyway. but the swellen comes and more pain. i found that rubbing alcohol reliefs the itch and drys it out faster. i also found that covering the infected area with a bandaid or bandage, however big the infected area, covering it helps from spreading it to other areas. i have had all the symptoms. fellow shingle survivors i hope you have better days keep god in our hearts and in our lives. god bless you all

Posted on 2/9/2009 2:09:00 PM by Anonymous

I have a 13 year old daughter who has had shingles the first of November. She does not have the rash. She has severe burning pain in about a 3 inch ribbon that wraps around her side from about an inch from her spine. They have not diagnosed this as shingles yet. Some doctors say it is absolutely shingles others say it is not because there is no rash. I am convinced it is shingles. I have been researching since November on my own. Shingles is not contagious. They are linking Pediatric shingles to the Chicken Pox Vaccine. They can treat shingles with antivirals but it needs to be started within the first 5 days of the virus to be effective. Lyrica does help with the Neuralgia in some cases but not all. We have now seen 3 Neuro-pain specialist and they are sending us to The Medical College of Georgia to see a new specialist. I will let you all know how this goes.

Posted on 2/6/2009 1:17:00 PM by Anonymous

What is inside the blisters of chicken pox blisters and is it a contagion? What happens if you scratch the blisters? I have been told they have an almost rubbery tip - is that correct?

Posted on 2/2/2009 11:08:00 PM by Anonymous

ive had shingles since i was sixteen i get some times twice a year the only thing is that it starts inside my mouth i get sores inside my cheecks under my tongue on my tongue and the bac k of my throat as well as on my body i was once hospitalized because of this im just wondering what a guy can do to get better

Posted on 2/1/2009 1:47:00 PM by Anonymous

I have had shingles for 6 weeks, took the antiviral meds which is acylovr? and Vicodin for pain. I am trying to wean myself off Vicodin and take large doses of ibuprophen ( 800) mg. The pain is terrible and comes and goes. Family stress brought it on and not knowing how to deal with stress. I thought I was having a heart attack and also had pain in my back. It wasn't diagnosed until the rash outbreak which dried up several days after starting the antiviral meds. I wish I had know about the vaccine. 64 year old Starlene

Posted on 1/31/2009 10:22:00 PM by Anonymous

I am a 54-year-old woman with my first case of shingles. I had to go to the ER at 4:30am 3 wks ago, thinking I had a cracked rib from moving a large bookcase. After x-rays, the Dr told me he suspected shingles, but could not diagnose until the blisters/rash appeared, usually 24-48 hrs later. Sure enough, the next day I got the first blisters around my right torso all the way around to the lower breast region (in a skin fold). The Urgent Care Dr gave me Valtrex and oxycontin for pain. Today is the 3-week mark and I have had the worst and most painful experience of my life. While the blisters are about 80% gone now, the pain continues, maybe about 25% less than in the beginning. I am ex-military with a high threshold for pain, but I have been in tears many times with this relentless chronic pain. After reading this site, I am in fear of future recurring cases, so my husband, who is 55, researched the newly available vaccine against shingles. It is $200, not covered by insurance, and the worst news is that they will only give it to people who are 60 and older. I live a stress-free life with my husband, both being early retirees, but with my sister's recent life-threatening disaster, I know this was the stress event that caused my dormant chickenpox virus to cause shingles, but we can't avoid all stress in our lives. So why can't I get the vaccine after I am completely over this round? Six years to wait for the vaccine is a long time to possibly get them again. I hope I can last for the next two weeks waiting for the nerve pain to subside.

Posted on 1/31/2009 2:05:00 PM by Anonymous

My name is Ana and I love this site i'm gald you put this up.

Posted on 1/28/2009 3:48:00 PM by Anonymous

This help me with my porject. I think people should use this site more offten.

Posted on 1/28/2009 3:46:00 PM by Anonymous

i think my son has chicken pox... he is 7 months old... he has been having all the symptoms, and now he is developing the rash... no clue where it came from though... i'm taking him to the dr this afternoon...

Posted on 1/28/2009 3:01:00 PM by Anonymous

My daughter is 37 and developed shingles about 2 weeks ago. She is in a lot of pain and cannot sleep and is having trouble working because it is painful to wear clothes. Nothing seems to help her.She has very week immune system. Any body out there can help her with any ideas???

Posted on 1/27/2009 8:14:00 PM by Anonymous

My son, 12 was diagnosed with chickenpox today. When I called the school to tell them he was sick and going to the doctor today the secretary told me that there was another girl in the school with the chickenpox. It's a very small school, 130 students. Our lunch lady has shingles and I'm wondering if the students could have gotten them from her? They both had the vaccine.

Posted on 1/20/2009 7:13:00 PM by Anonymous

I had an heart-transplant one year ago, in Nov. I broke out with shingles. I have a weak immune system. I have now have no rash, but the area infected is still very swollen and painfull. Has anyone else have this swelling problem?

Posted on 1/20/2009 12:02:00 PM by Anonymous

My eldest daughter contracted it for the first time at 14. I'm worried now that she'll have outbreaks for the rest of her life. Less stress I was told but c'mon, she's a teenager. Any advice?

Posted on 1/19/2009 3:50:00 PM by Anonymous

More questions than comments. I have just realized that I went through a 3rd bout with shingles in the last 2 months. They are clearing from the area on my face that was affected, but I have also discovered that the shingles infected my left eye. I am on the correct medication and the pain is decreasing daily. Over this period I have suffered with severe headaches (migraine in nature) with all that entails; nausea, vomiting, pain to light, severe pain. Can the shingles have caused this? I have never suffered with headahes like this and at the time thought "Migraine or Virus". Since it took me just about 2 months to realize that this was the return of the shingles, can there be any brain involvment? I am concerned more because I am a type 1 diabetic and I had thyroid cancer which was removed a few years ago. Thank you for your assistance Sylvia S Hughes narykids@swbell.net

Posted on 1/15/2009 12:07:00 PM by Anonymous

Do the blisters need to be covered? Do my clothes need to be disinfected after I wear them?

Posted on 1/13/2009 8:45:00 PM by Anonymous

I would sure like some comments or answers to the comments here. My Mother is in the hospital as we speak with a severe pain the her stomach. The diagnoses is shingles. The pain is letting up and she has shingles on her back.

Posted on 1/10/2009 11:15:00 PM by Anonymous

My 5-yr-old has red spots on various parts of his body. Some look like little pimples and others are the size of a pencil eraser and red. He said they itch and hurt. He's in pretty good spirits. I wondered if poison oak or ivy but the pics on internet don't look at all like this. How do I know if he has chicken pox (Sat night, no dr open). I put Benadryl cream on them (face, arms, feet, hands, legs, bottom), but want to be sure I'm doing the right thing. Thank you for this website! - Mom

Posted on 1/10/2009 10:00:00 PM by Anonymous

I was diagnosed w/ shingles 6 mos ago. It affected the left side of my forehead, scalp and lower inside rim of my eye. I'm now having a reoccurance in lower rim of the eye. I have swelling & little red blisters along the rim. The first onset did not affect the cornea or nerve. In fact the Dr. discontinued the Viropic medication after 6 days use. I have kept the medication refrigerated & it should remain good for another 9 mos. I've restarted the medication on my own until I can make an appointment with the Dr. on monday. Is there anyone out there who has had a reoccurance in the eye and is this common factor? Thanks, Donna

Posted on 1/9/2009 6:36:00 PM by Anonymous

I am a 73 year old man in excellent physical condition. I had chicken pox as a kid and in 1964 had a bad case of shingles across my back, under my left arm and into my chest area. At first they itched like crazy, and as I scratched they started to hurt even worse. There was nothing that helped the pain except a morphine shot they finally administed. I have scars to this day from this outbreak. On Christmas day this year I began to have pain in my face--first my teeth and jaw, then my left ear. Next day I started to get the blister type eruptions from my left ear to my chin. My chin and lip were numb. I went to an ENT who found nothing wrong, then went to my Doctor, an internist. He immediately diagnosed shingles and put me on Valtrex. The blisters and pain subsided after a few days, then after a week my left face became paralyzed--kind of like when the Dentist gives you a shot of Novocane. Went back to the Doctor and he diagnosed an additional problem called Ramsey/Hunt Syndrome, an offshoot of shingles (similar to Bells Palsy) yuck. Anyway, I have now added predisone to my diet of pills, with recovery indefinite.

Posted on 1/6/2009 7:03:00 PM by Anonymous

I am 50 years old and was in the hospital from 12-16 to 12-20 with severe pain on my left side that shoots to my back. The doctors advised me at the hospital that I had a viral infection in my stomach. After a week at home, because I am still experiencing pain, I went to my family doctors who advised that I might have the shingles, but I do not have a rash. I am getting a CAT Scan now, because of no rash. I am experiencing a burning sensation as well as a stabbing pain. Also I itch. The only medication I have is pain killers, which don't help all of the time. Did anyone get a blood test to confirm it is shingles??? As for the 28 year old below - does it look sometimes as if your skin is disclored where the pain is and then at another time when you look at it there isn't anything there?

Posted on 1/4/2009 4:52:00 PM by Anonymous

i am 28 years old and have been told by an er doc that i have shingles. i only have the pain and burning sensation from the left side of the spine around to my waist. however i have no rash or blisters and its been 9 days. does anyone know if you have to have the blisters or rash to be shingles? i seem to have all the symtoms but the blisters or rash and i can't find any info regarding this.

Posted on 1/4/2009 5:56:00 AM by Anonymous

I am so glad somebody is trying the aloe vera. Remember everyone, cut open a piece of a limb of an aloe vera plant. Rub the inside of the limb directly on your sores. I am already so happy for the people who try this and find relief. Love to hear about it.

Posted on 1/3/2009 9:25:00 AM by Anonymous

I am 23 years old and I have recently developed shingles on my back. They are very uncomfortable and hurt. They are starting to heal and itch really bad. They gave me something for the pain and to help the progress move on a little quicker. I really don't like the feeling of having shingles.

Posted on 1/2/2009 10:59:00 PM by Anonymous

I have had shingles for nearly 2 years come July 2009. It is the most uncomfortable virus ever!!! I have tried quite a lot of topical lotions since I realize that there are really no pharmaceutical meds that help. (At least, they don't help me) However, I am glad to hear about the Aloe Vera Plant. I am a gardener by nature and I am going straight to the Home Depot to get one of those plants. I should have known that only the natural stuff would work anyway. I can honestly say that in these last 6 months, I feel better than I did when I first broke out. I have only a little tale tale sign of it under my left breast and Ladies-if you have it in the same place, don't feel bad if you go to work layered in clothes without a bra. I try to keep bras and clothes off my body when I am alone in my apartment. I can't stand the thought of anything touching my skin during the breakouts. However, I believe there is hope. Cold showers work for me, and any kind of mint linament for body massages. I will write back and let you know if the Aloe Vera plant works.

Posted on 1/2/2009 2:56:00 PM by Anonymous

I am 49 yrs old and have just be diagnosed with the shingles. I have a new job, required to work alot of hours, my mother 's health is declining so that I had to leave my home and my longtime partner to help with mom and am having problems with my adult children who think they know it all. This has all cause major stress on me and I believe that is the cause of my shingles...I can not get rid of the stress, believe me I have tried. My shingles started with icecream type (brain freeze) headaches and numbness/tingling in my face. I thought I was possibly having a stroke or something..This became very frequent over a few days...Then a slight rash developed on my left forhead area. Over a few days this began to spread and blisters developed...I noticed these blister were all on the left side of my head (above the ear to the top of my head) also....I went to the ER and spent Christmas Day there and immediately when the nurse and doctor saw me they, said SHINGLES...I was given several prescriptions including pain reliever which does not help much. The next day the shingles had spread to my left eye. I called the ER and they had an eye doctor see me immediately. There were several sores on my eyelid and at least two under the eyelid. Due to the swelling and pain the doc could not flip my eyelid up to examine further. The good news over the next three days of seeing the eye doctor was that there was only minor nerve damage to my eye. I have missed a week from my new job already and am not sure when I will feel up to going back...Some of my Co-workers have seen me and now I am called BUBBLES at work. I am so embarrased and don't want to go back until it is gone....they would call me SCABBS or something. The Shingles makes me look like a freak...I HATE IT and knowing it can come back really depresses me.

Posted on 1/2/2009 12:06:00 PM by Anonymous

I am a 38 year old woman with shingles on my nose. The very first time that I experienced this outbreak was 3/1994. I was told this was related to the stress of my pregnancy. After the birth of my child, I would only experince an outbreak once a year. As a child, I had the chickenpox twice. Last year my family doctor tested a sample from my nose and diagnosed me with shingles. Now, today my nose is about the size of a small potato, last month my nose was larger than a lemon. I use a topical ointment and Valtrex. The Valtrex forces me to stay home, sleep with severe pain. I must reduce my stress, this virus is very, very stressful by itself.

Posted on 1/2/2009 2:34:00 AM by Anonymous

I developed the blisters 10/25 and after the medrol was put on valtrex. I am told I do not have shingles any more but I have the PHN and the burning/ itching . It is the right side of forehead/ eye and scalp. I am allowed to take gabapengin every night but am afraid of takikng this drug too much because of the weight gain and chancing diabetes. I am female and 74 but appear young for my age.

Posted on 1/1/2009 6:23:00 PM by Anonymous

I am 39 years old and had shingles on on one side of my face this month. I've had chicken pox as a child. I had a lot of stress to handle amongst all my jobs, so that's probably what caused the outbreak. I had to stay away from work for 2 weeks because of the shingles. The shingles were very painful. One side of my face was swollen so badly that it looked like I was in a very bad fight or a car accident. My teeth were all numb and painful. It started with what looked like 3 large pimples on parts of my face where I usually get acne, and 2 mouth sores. I went to a walk-in med clinic and saw a Dr. who did not even get out of his chair when he looked at me. He said I had herpes, which I thought strange, because I had full STD checks not long ago and was fine. He gave me some medicines and a cream and said I'd be OK. I woke up the next day and my face was twice as swollen and more painful. I saw a better doctor the next day who said I had shingles and he said it was one of the most serious cases he'd seen. He had me see the eye doctor twice because my eye was swollen, red, and infected by the shingles. I took the medicine and a lot of tylenol and it slowly healed. Anyhow, the whole ordeal took 2 weeks to settle, and it all healed OK, except that I have dark scars on my face now. It's bad enough that a month has passed and people look and ask about it.

Posted on 1/1/2009 3:18:00 PM by Anonymous

I found out that I had shingles yesterday when I finally went to the dr. I kind of already knew because of the symptoms I was experiencing. At first it felt like a razor burn, then a sharp shooting pain. A red sore appearred in the next couple of days then more the next day. My outbreak is along my torso, hips and pelvic region. It is so painful. I am now taking Valtrex and a pain medicine for nerve pain at night. It is not helping much though. I am so glad I found this page and I will definitely be trying the aloe treatment. I can't imagine having this for 4 more weeks and I will start back to teach school next week. that will be fun:(

Posted on 12/30/2008 8:36:00 PM by Anonymous

I am 30 weeks pregnant and just lost my husband. I am under severe emotional stress and was told that my case of shingles was because of the combo of pregnancy and the stress. Fortunately my case is limited to my right side of the torso...directly under my prego belly, however I have NEVER felt pain and burning and this severe discomfort EVER!!! It feels like a burning, stinging rash that no matter what you do you cannot control. I have noticed however Psoriasin Gel soothes the burning for me to at least sleep the night through, but other than that I was told the most I can really do it wait it out...the 4-6 weeks it takes to run its course...OMG!!!

Posted on 12/30/2008 8:17:00 PM by Anonymous

I found this message board as I was kept awake all night with shooting nerve pains in the back of my upper leg. I just realized it might be shingles. we'll see. I am 49 and have been going thru some huge stress. I just want to tell you all that when I was a teen my mom cured shingles on a couple of people by having them rub the inside of a fresh aloe vera limb right onto the sores. She said the pain went away very quickly and then they would heal over. A few years ago i saw my first shingles on a friends forehead. She was in horrible pain. I brought her an aloe plant and told her to keep putting it on. Next thing I knew i had a message on my phone from her. She said the pain stopped right away. I saw her three days later and it was healing right over. It worked exactly like my mom said it did. So if I have it, I am going to put aloe on it. It has to be from the fresh limb.

Posted on 12/27/2008 4:36:00 PM by Anonymous

A friend of mine has shingles now, and has had them for about 2wks. I have a very compromised immune system., and have 3 auto immune diseases. I've had chicken pox 2 times. 1st time at 5 years old, 2nd time at 28 years old, with my 5 year old daughter, who had them 1st, then I caught them from her. I wonder what the odds are that I could catch shingles. I am 54 years old, and have itchy underarms, this just started today.

Posted on 12/20/2008 7:05:00 PM by Anonymous

The four of us have at least 1 scare from Chicken Pox! Probably where we scratched the most.

Posted on 12/11/2008 10:45:00 AM by Anonymous

my nephew was diagnosed with shingles today hes almost 2 and living wth my family. i have a 5 month old son who has not yet gotten over wooping cough (pertusis) since birth. i am really nervus about him getting it, i cant see him in anymore pain or its gona kill me. help does anyone know enough about it to tell me mabey statistic wise what are his chances.

Posted on 12/3/2008 1:59:00 AM by Anonymous

The first time I had shingles was in 2004 after a hard season in a tax office. Now I have them again after a stressfull season of teaching. Both times the disease has been debilitating, with flu like symptoms, pain that radiates back to the spinal column that also radiates out into other areas. The rash the first time was about 4" wide that ran around my waist from my abdomen to my back. This time the pain in more in the back, under my arm with breaking out under my left breast. I have had crushing lesft chest discomfort with shortness of breath. I had an EKG and chemical stress test with showing no problems. I use Voltaren Gel by prescription which helps for a bit and hydrocodone for pain. I have also take Effexor since the first time for the pain and have doubled it to help with the pain this time. I still suffer something awful. Ugh!

Posted on 12/2/2008 9:29:00 PM by Anonymous

Sorry to hear so many are in so much pain. Go see a homeopath there are homeopathic remedies that will help resolve this illness and HELP the pain.

Posted on 12/2/2008 1:37:00 PM by Anonymous

My son of eight years old was diagonoised with shingles today.He has had outbreaks since a little over a year old. That is AFTER receiving the the chicken pox shot vericella. when I expressed concern for his rashes when he was younger the doctors would tell me it was impetigo. He has never had the chicken pox.I am a stay at home mom and have spent every day with my children. I am in shock that my child has devloped shingles from a shot we are required to give our babies before they can enter school. So many of these sites represent that if you give the shot to your child that he or she will not develop shingles later in life. WHAT A GIGANTIC LIE. i KNOW MY CHILD HAS SHINGLES BECAUSE OF THIS SHOT! ! ! Other cases are popping up.It used to be unheard of that childrendevelop shingles. Now as I research this I see that this is happening because of the shot.

Posted on 12/2/2008 6:00:00 AM by Anonymous

I have a large area covered with a red rash but no shingles - is this common? So far, I haven't been able to find any information regarding this. I still have much itching but no pain. Using Gold Bond medicated powder but only helps for a short time. What else could I use? Thank you, Frances Chernik 12/1/08

Posted on 12/1/2008 10:11:00 PM by Anonymous

The initial outbreak of shingles was 5-20-08. I was left with HPN AND I am going to a pain management doctor. He has prescribed Lyrica and Tylenol #3 w/codine. This does not completely touch the pain and it is really ruining my life. I could sleep around the clock and it is very hard to just function normally. What else can be done, I am desperate for some relief. Thank you, Barbara Merrill 11-29-08

Posted on 11/29/2008 11:08:00 AM by Anonymous

The chicken pox vaccine does not provide complete immunity. I let my kids get the chicken pox back in the 90's before it was required. I was told then, that they could get the virus, just a less severe case. My 15 year old son was just diagnosed with shingles under his arm. Be very careful with the collidial silver it can be absorbed and you will become permanently blue in color. Not worth it, it is an old old remedy. Get an antiviral from your MD.

Posted on 11/27/2008 8:37:00 AM by Anonymous

Toddlers with shingles???? My son got shingles when he was roughly 18 months old. He had to see 3-4 different doctors, the pediatric infectious disease were the most helpful. They said he basically got shingles from the chicken pox vaccine, because it is a live vaccine it lays dorment in your body forever. All the doctors said it is extremely, extremely rare, but i'm begining to question that, the more research I do. My son is got them twice. He is now 4, and just today I took him for his well child check, kids are supposed to get their second varicella (chicken pox) vaccine at 4-5 years old. His doctor strongly reccommended for him not to have it, so he did not get it. You can not get shingles unless you you have already had chicken pox (or the varicella vaccine)

Posted on 11/25/2008 9:58:00 PM by Anonymous

I have had shingles 4 times the 1st time I was in my 20's the 2nd time I don't remember then the 3rd time last year (11/2007} and now again 11/2008 at age 75. I have been very luckky since they only appear on the upper part of my right leg and stay in a small area and I have never had pain just a sporadic itch. I am planning on getting the vaccine soon.

Posted on 11/25/2008 11:21:00 AM by Anonymous

can an infant age 5 months get shingles from some one who has it and if she can how dangerous can it be for her.

Posted on 11/24/2008 12:02:00 PM by Anonymous

The vaccine is available now. You have to notify your doctor that you want the vaccine and they will have to order it. I can tell you, from personal experience that you do NOT want to get a case of shingles. It is VERY painful.

Posted on 11/21/2008 7:18:00 AM by Anonymous

my daughter is in her 5-6 month pregnancy and my mother was diagnoised with shingles today nd i was with my mother yesterday how dangerous is it for me to be around her? and how long should i stay away from her?

Posted on 11/19/2008 8:04:00 PM by Anonymous

wow ive hade chicken pox for 2 mothes now

Posted on 11/19/2008 10:39:00 AM by Anonymous

Alright people..I have one for you. My four and a half year old son today was diagnose with shingles. What the crap?? He had the chicken pox vaccine and then about 6 months ago broke out with about 6 chicken pox because he was around a friend of his that had them. Now last night this huge red rash showed up out of no where starting on the right side of his privates down his inner thigh to his knee cap. He is in pain and very tired. All the doc could tell me is weirder things have happened before. I just hope this doesn't mean he will continue having breakouts for the rest of his life like I am reading from some of your post. I'm also worried because I have a two month old in the house and I really don't want him getting the chicken pox at this early of an age. Has any one else here ever heard of a toddler getting shingles??

Posted on 11/18/2008 3:45:00 PM by Anonymous

Some sites say to keep dry, others wet with cool/cold damp cotton cloth. Is it true that if the rash goes all the way around the body like the stomach around to the back, or the chest around the back that Shingles can be deadly?

Posted on 11/17/2008 10:59:00 PM by Anonymous

Has anyone tried colloidal siver gel (topical) What I have is from Essential Silver. It says right on it for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Chickenpox and shingles are listed. Don't use if allergict to silver. I wen't to a chickenpox party for my daughter a week ago today, so i'll get a chance to try it out and see if it works. I'll report back unless others do before me. IT'S WORTH A TRY from all the painful comments I see here. SF Seattle, WA

Posted on 11/12/2008 11:04:00 PM by Anonymous

Great information. My 90 year old mother in law has shingles and we were concerned she might be contagious. My wife who works at a dermatologist's office said she got a vaccine specifically for shingles. She believes the cost is $200. from what I have read about shingles it is definitely worth it. Fred Romero Irvine, Ca.

Posted on 11/12/2008 10:45:00 AM by Anonymous

hi im 37 years old and i never had chicken pox or measle, but my 4 kids had chicken pox when they were young and my youngest never had them yet, but my nine year old had shingles 3 weeks ago, now i have spreading red spot like pimples with white heads on my neck, my chest and now spreading more then it was, how do i know what i have. do my kids need to be treated again if what ever i have

Posted on 11/11/2008 8:07:00 AM by Anonymous

can you die from shingles

Posted on 11/8/2008 9:57:00 PM by Anonymous

I have shingles in my throat. How long does it take to fully heal? I've been on medication for 6 weeks.

Posted on 11/7/2008 12:37:00 PM by Anonymous

I had them when I was 22 years old and I'm now 35 years old.. I can say that the pain should ease. Have u tried oatmeal paste. or oatmeal lotion I really enjoyed that.... And be very careful cause when I got them I went to the doctor and they misdiagosed me as having scabbies lol that was 80.00 dollar bill there cause the same nite went to the er room and went right into holding and was told that I had the adult version of the chicken pox... And that bill there was 790.00\ called the dr's office the next day and told them i was not payin the bill as i just spent more money for the correct problem...

Posted on 11/2/2008 1:17:00 AM by Anonymous

I NOW HAVE THE SHINGLES(rase drying up) how long does it take the pain to go away and how long should i take the precribed drugs? I am72 year of age. bbeabrooks@hotmail.com P.S. I had chemotheropy three years ago.would the shot help if they return?

Posted on 11/1/2008 10:37:00 AM by Anonymous

I am 40 and i have the chicken pox for the first time. I just wanted to let everyone know. When you get calamine lotion, buy the name brand. My son (10) had it 2 weeks ago. I made the mistake of getting the store brand, It was very runny and I had to apply it over and over again. The next day morning I went and got the name brand. It cost more, but well worth every penny.

Posted on 10/31/2008 11:01:00 PM by Anonymous

Never thought I could get shingles, because I thought I had never had chickenpox. Guess what? I have shingles and was told I had had chickenpox sometime in my life as a child and did not break out (maybe with 2 or 3 blisters). I have always been bothered by fever blisters, so guess maybe this could have also been the virus to cause Shingles.

Posted on 10/31/2008 9:12:00 AM by Anonymous

Son (10) has already had chicken pox. He got a new batch from a gal (8) who had the vaccine. The ER doc told her mom that it is a new strain that came about from the vaccine. Now I am getting them too. So 3 people that should have been safe from this all have it. We are off toour own docs tomorrow. I am not able to find anything online to help.

Posted on 10/30/2008 4:12:00 PM by Anonymous

my i wish to participate in a clinical trial for prevention of shingles occuring back. Here i don't find any information how the person with hiv/aids is affected because of their immune system. Contact me at my home address. Brigitte Droughn, 82 Westervelt Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301

Posted on 10/29/2008 1:11:00 PM by Anonymous

I had breast cancer a year ago and now I have internal shingles beside the area of the tumor. Are they worse or do they stay longer if they are inside?

Posted on 10/29/2008 10:16:00 AM by Anonymous

As of October 22, 2008 ive had the chicken pox and I couldnt seem to get them to go away so I went to the doctor at Marry Black Memorial Hospital in Spartanburg SC. but they did no good so far your info has helped me more than anything they ever did, Thank you, Jay

Posted on 10/25/2008 9:51:00 AM by Anonymous

my grandson has been diagnosed as having molluscom, he had the chicken pox vacinne in Feb. and started with these pimples soon after. Could it be shingles??

Posted on 10/23/2008 1:03:00 AM by Anonymous

How do you treat the shingles situation if you work at a day-care ?

Posted on 10/21/2008 5:11:00 PM by Anonymous

Can you die from shingles?

Posted on 10/21/2008 5:09:00 PM by Anonymous

I have been treated for a facial/neck rash that my Dr. feels is Shingles. I can't seem to be able to get any relief with the Rx being prescribed and this have been going on for about 2 months now. Is there any 'over the counter' relief?

Posted on 10/18/2008 9:02:00 PM by Anonymous

Well, about your question, I guess it depends on a few factors. It would depend on how contagious she was, if you've been exposed to them before, and if you have a good immune system or not. However, if you do come down with Chicken pox, the disease will be more severe in your case than your children because you're older. Hope this helps some.

Posted on 10/16/2008 9:50:00 PM by Anonymous

A lady i know requested help because her mother has shingles (bedridden) and she is getting no rest. I helped her today, she said it was not contagious but now I am wondering. I am 47, don't remember if I've had chicken pox or not, no family to check this with. I'm panicking because I also have small children. Would appreciate an answer because I'm supposed to go back over in a day or two. Thanks.

Posted on 10/14/2008 4:28:00 PM by Anonymous

I've had it where the left side of my face will develop what the doctor believes to be a shingle, mostly when I'm around dust and mold, ect. and when I'm stressed. Reading this makes me wonder if it actually is a shingle thought. In a way it sounds like one, but in another, it sound totally different.

Posted on 10/13/2008 7:49:00 PM by Anonymous

I recently had Treatment for breast cancer, chemotherapy and radiation. I have second degree burns from the radiation and now have shingles on the radiation site. This is extremely painful and it is the third time I have had shingles. So yes you definitely can get shingles more than once.

Posted on 9/24/2008 2:57:00 AM by Anonymous

I broke out with shingles on my torso when I was pregenant with my first child at age 28. At age 31, pregenant with 2nd child, I broken out with blisters on the roof of my mouth (very painful). Dentist said it was herpes though I have never had them before. Since then I break out in cold sores about once a year. Could never conferm with anyone if the shingles and coldsores were related.

Posted on 9/23/2008 10:47:00 PM by Anonymous

I get shingles at least once a month and i believe they are also stress related. Sometimes when my stess level is higher than normal i can always expect to get shingles. The first time i went to the dr they also told me that the good news was that i could only get shingles one time. That was the biggest lie i have ever heard.

Posted on 9/20/2008 9:49:00 PM by Anonymous

I had shingles about 25 years ago when I was in my 40s. The symptons were complete numbness around my middle. Called my Dr. and he diagnosed Shingles. Went into the office and he confirmed it as I had several blisters on my back in a crescent shape. No medication whatsoever, no pain whatsoever, but I was told to stay off work for 2 weeks as I could give children chicken pox during that time. It cleared up and now I have an itch constantly where the Shingle blisters were - the crescent, where I assume the nerve runs. This itch drives me crazy at times, but nothing helps. Perhaps it would have been better if I had the pain instead of the numbness at the time I had Shingles, then maybe I wouldn't have to deal with this darn itch.

Posted on 9/20/2008 10:52:00 AM by Anonymous

I am 27 and my first shingles breakout was about 2 years ago. I now get them about once a month. They usually come back in the same 4 places and leave scars every time. I think they are strss related. Does anyone else get them this often?

Posted on 9/16/2008 10:01:00 PM by Anonymous

My 19 year-old daughter just got shingles for the 2nd time. She had them 10 years ago. She cannot have the vaccine because she is under 60 and the vaccine hasn't been tested yet for people under 60. Can shingles be a chronic, life-long problem?

Posted on 9/14/2008 8:28:00 AM by Anonymous

can people with asthma be affected

Posted on 9/12/2008 12:10:00 AM by Anonymous

yes im told i have shingles in my mouth if so there very painful thorat has blisters an tounge and roof off mouth is so very tender not knowing what eles to expect

Posted on 9/9/2008 7:49:00 PM by Anonymous

My grandson is 17 & diagnosed with shingles todoay. He had chicken pox as a youngster. The dermatoloogist gave him an Rx to take immediately. FYI - The vaccine is now available, but only for those 60 & over

Posted on 9/9/2008 7:23:00 PM by Anonymous

The area of which I think is the shingles, mine is located on the back of my arm. This is the 3rd time this has happened. It is gotten worse this time, more painful. Is this probably the shingles? It is a blister formed area as big as a half-dollar?

Posted on 9/9/2008 5:16:00 PM by Anonymous

My one year old daughter has bumps all over her body that look like pimples. She has had a fever for the past two-three days. She just had heart surgery and isn't up to date with her immunizations. Do u think its chicken pox? Measles?

Posted on 9/9/2008 3:41:00 PM by Anonymous

I forgot to say that I am a67 year old male

Posted on 9/8/2008 11:50:00 PM by Anonymous

I think I have shingles in my mouth has anyone else seen this

Posted on 9/8/2008 11:48:00 PM by Anonymous

i have shingles! im 17

Posted on 9/8/2008 11:15:00 PM by Anonymous

I have CLL that is in remission. I have been treated with chemo. I will be playing cards with a person who has a shingles rash on her stomach. Can I catch the disease?

Posted on 9/8/2008 5:40:00 PM by Anonymous

Ancwer to one of the questions, If you have had a vaccination for chicken pox such as your children in a younger case, then no you will not get the virus shingles. I know this because the Dr, told us that our children would not be acceptable for shingles because they have had the vac.

Posted on 9/7/2008 10:16:00 PM by Anonymous

My daughter 4yrs old has had the chickenpox vaccine and was diagnosed today with shingles. I have never heard of a child getting shingles and I was not aware she could still get shingles after having the vaccine. She has just started Pre-K when is she no longer contagious.

Posted on 8/21/2008 7:16:00 PM by Anonymous

I wish there were pictures to go along with this. I am not sure sure what the chicken pox or shingles eruptions look like. I am 68 years old and have not had chicken pox or the shingles before. Is there a blood test or some conclusive test to make a clear diagnosis of either. My doctor is not sure if it is chicken pox, shingles, contact dermitis or what.

Posted on 8/16/2008 1:26:00 PM by Anonymous

You are suscepticle to shingles if you have had the chicken pox disease. You are not susceptible if you have never had the chicken pox. Can you contract the shingles if you have been immunized for chicken pox? It is a live vaccine? No one ever seems to address this question?

Posted on 8/14/2008 9:38:00 AM by Anonymous

I had Shingles in the groin area and down my right leg about 12 years ago. It lasted 3 weeks, and left me with some numbness in the groin area. I never did break out, just the horrible pain, burning, itching. Recently I've had the same thing happen on my right arm, just extreme pain, horrible hot needle-like pain, burning The only thing that helped was ice, lots of ice. Then some Lamisil ointment.

Posted on 8/6/2008 2:00:00 PM by Anonymous

Both grand daughters have been vacinnated for chickenpox, the older girl 11yrs. of age, came down with chickenpox, but fortunately not itching. The younhger girl 5 1/2 had the vacinne and a booster and has been in contact with her sister. I am 69, have CLL, my immune sytem is weak. & I have seisures I have also had chickenpox as a child. My concern is getting shingles, especially from my grand daughters. Is this possible? Are there any steps I can take to prevent the shingles? Thank you for your help.

Posted on 7/28/2008 9:28:00 PM by Anonymous

can anyone tell me the side affects of shingle on a pregnant woman and the if there is anything that could happen to the unborn baby

Posted on 7/28/2008 6:16:00 PM by Anonymous

Is there such a thing as internal shingles. If so, what is the medicine for it. Doctor's I have seen say no, but many doctor's have told my friends different.

Posted on 7/23/2008 1:59:00 PM by Anonymous

haven't had chicken pox yet, can I be at risk of complications during my pregnancy eventhough I've been vaccinated as a child?

Posted on 7/23/2008 1:46:00 AM by Anonymous

I am going through the the procecc of riddening shingles. It started out with just a couple of blisters on my waistline, the next day there was a rash, along with pain. By the third day I was feeling sick and the pain was worse not mentioning it had doubled in space.I went to the Dr. who put me on a medication tion help quicken the healing time plus something fo pain. The next morning the virus had tripled.I had a kidney transplant 15 months ago so I calledmy kidney Doctor where he had me admitted, for IV treatments and to adjust my medications.I spent 5 days receiving treatments and came hjome today. I am still broke out and still hurting but These treatments really helped.

Posted on 7/22/2008 11:27:00 PM by Anonymous

can shingles be on the inside without a rash or would this be something else?

Posted on 7/21/2008 5:58:00 PM by Anonymous

Just out of curiosity, can shingles include heart palpatations and vertigo? I've had those symptoms for a few weeks, including headache, all over itchy skin, insomnia and fatigue, prior to any rash appearing. I am a 63 year old female and had shingles once before. I was diagnosed with Lupus and Chron's disease, Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, years ago, so I do have a compromised immune system. An immediate care physician prescribed 5 Acyclovir a day and Ultram for pain.

Posted on 7/15/2008 11:32:00 PM by Anonymous

I had shingles several years ago (at age 63). I've been told by my family doctor that I don't need the vaccine, but my pharmacist insists that it would be a good idea to have it Please address this in your question and answer segment. I have heard that one can get the shingles more than one time. Is this a fact and if so, how can the vaccination hurt?

Posted on 7/14/2008 1:53:00 PM by Anonymous

THIS WAS EXTREMELY HELPFUL AND ANSWERED QUESTIONS I DIDN'T THINK OF TO ASK. THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Posted on 7/8/2008 11:09:00 PM by Anonymous

The vaccine is availabe at this time. I broke out with the shingles Sat at a party, and my 21 yr old grandchild broke out 5 days later and i understand that you can't give someone shingles. but I am assuming that she got the shingles from me.

Posted on 7/7/2008 10:02:00 PM by Anonymous

My wife has an infection of shingles.,it is possible that the vaccine will cure her? She is on this condition fo r one week .She has a terrible payn in her lower back. Please if you have a medicine tha help her let me now it. RAFAEL MERCED rafmerc79@gmail.com

Posted on 6/11/2008 7:40:00 PM by Anonymous