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Can I Get A Mild Case Of Chicken Pox From The Shingles?

I have been diagnosed with shingles, just have itching right now. But the lesions seem to be spreading up my back and down my leg, not typical of the dermatone location. Most of the outbreak is on just one side of my body around the waist. Could I get a mild case of chicken pox from the shingles?

posted on Tue, 16 Jun 2015

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

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 Answered on

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 Last reviewed on

Post as: Anonymous Non Anonymous

Keep me posted

General & Family Physician, Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj's Response

Hi,

If you have had chicken pox in the past you can not develop that infection again, it causes long life immunity. Because you are having widespread shingles you will need to probably take some oral antiviral like acyclovir to help it heal quicker. You will need a visit with your doctor to confirm this diagnosis and take the prescription with acyclovir if it is needed.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician

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Can I Get A Mild Case Of Chicken Pox From The Shingles?

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