What Causes Recurrent Herpes Infection?

Posted on Sun, 1 Feb 2015

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

Sun, 1 Feb 2015 Answered on

Mon, 2 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : A couple years ago I developed a extremely painful small half-dollar sized patch of shingles on my knee. Went to the doctor and got antibiotics/etc.. Since then it has come back around 8 times. I can usually feel it coming on because the area feels tingly and sensitive to cold. Generally it's gotten less painful and just has become more of an annoyance. It usually lasts less then a week and just disappears. I'm just wondering if this is just a weird occurrence or if there's cause for concern. I was not on any prescribed medications during these occurances, only a few different vitamins.

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Might need long term suppression

Detailed Answer:
Hi

You seem to be developing recurrent episodes of herpes .
You must be aware that once a person develops herpes ,the virus tends to stay in the ganglion and can come up again and again under various conditions of stress .
A person can normally have up to six recurrences in a year .If you have more than these recurrences,then you can consult your nearby doctor and discuss regarding the need for antiviral suppression therapy .

Hope it helps

Dr Geetika Paul

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