Suggest Treatment For Rash On Body When Suffering From Shingles

Posted on Sun, 15 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : my husband found out he has shingles today. the rash is large, doctor gave him meds to help. Im concerned as he wants to have sex tonight I could get them. Yes or no?
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Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Infectious by contact

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
Shingles (herpes zoster ) is caused by the same virus as chicken pox. If you have had chicken pox, then your chances of getting infected are less than if you did not have.
He is infectious till the scabs fall.
It is controversial whether acyclovir would protect against an infection, though it is the treatment.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (31 minutes later)

is it the doctors recommendation to avoid sex until contagious stage is over?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It spreads by contact with the fluid from lesion

Detailed Answer:
It doesn't spread by the sexual route but there is always the risk of contact with the lesion.The virus is spread through direct contact with fluid from the rash blisters caused by shingles.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar