I want to confirm if the rash breakout some with vesicles in my neck, right shoulder and upper chest only are vzv. 79 age male. Wanting to have pcr for viral dna test. Could not remember having chicken pox. None of my family also remember me having chickenpox. The rash was not itchy, feels very slight irritation not bothersome. Notice the hives 20th nov. 2023. Started last 22 nov famciclovir 500 mg tds.

Dr. Shaurya RohatgiDermatologist14yrs exp

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Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Here's some information about it: 1. **causes:** herpes zoster occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in your body after a previous chickenpox infection. It can remain dormant in nerve cells for years before reactivating. 2. **symptoms:** shingles typically causes a painful rash that usually appears as a band or strip on one side of the body. Other symptoms can include itching, burning, fever, headache, and fatigue. 3. **transmission:** shingles itself is not directly contagious, but the virus can be spread to individuals who haven't had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it through direct contact with the shingles rash. This can cause chickenpox in those individuals, not shingles. 4. **complications:** shingles can lead to complications like postherpetic neuralgia (persistent pain after the rash heals), skin infections, and in rare cases, eye or neurological problems. 5. **treatment:** antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of shingles if taken early. Pain relief medications, calamine lotion, and cool compresses may also provide relief from symptoms. 6. **vaccination:** there are vaccines available to prevent shingles, such as zostavax and shingrix. These vaccines are recommended for older adults to reduce the risk of developing shingles. If you suspect you have shingles or need more specific information, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.  

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