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Is Antiviral Therapy Required For Effective Treatment Of Internal Shingles?
Question: I am XXXXXXX writing this for my wife XXXXXXX (age 74) who has internal shingles and has flare ups of this over the past 5 years. She has level7 pain 24/7, is on Lyrica (without much effect) and last week put on Prednisone which raised her blood sugar to 390+. She is Type 2diabetic and on blood pressure and cholesterol meds. Should be be on an anti-viral that targets herpes zoraster.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Regarding your concern, I would explain that although she has persistent pain , there is no need for antiviral therapy as there are no blisters on the skin.
The infection is not active.
Anyway, the steroids that she is taking may lead to reactivation of Zoster infection, which can be distinguished by the presence of skin blisters.
If this occurs, antiviral therapy (acyclovir)should be started.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Regarding your concern, I would explain that although she has persistent pain , there is no need for antiviral therapy as there are no blisters on the skin.
The infection is not active.
Anyway, the steroids that she is taking may lead to reactivation of Zoster infection, which can be distinguished by the presence of skin blisters.
If this occurs, antiviral therapy (acyclovir)should be started.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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