Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
178 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Shingles Near Incision Site After A Lumbar Decompression?

I had a lumbar decompression and fusion about 9 days ago, I now have a case if shingles about an inch from the incision sight that have not ruptured. Is this something I should worry about? Should I go to the er and have them rupture them and clean them out so he infection from shingles doesn't get into the incision
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 24 Jan 2015 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 27 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Are you sure it is shingles? There is no concern about shingles getting into the incision. Shingles is caused by a virus that has been in your body for many years. It can erupt in a rash following a stressful event, which would include the surgery.

I would be concerned about other types of infection, however, which might require antibiotics, and could potentially get into the wound. So yes, it would be a good idea to have these lesions looked at, diagnosed, and treated appropriately. You can go to urgent care, ER, or call your surgeon and let him or her know what is going on. Hope this helps.

I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Herpes


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Shingles Near Incision Site After A Lumbar Decompression?

Are you sure it is shingles? There is no concern about shingles getting into the incision. Shingles is caused by a virus that has been in your body for many years. It can erupt in a rash following a stressful event, which would include the surgery. I would be concerned about other types of infection, however, which might require antibiotics, and could potentially get into the wound. So yes, it would be a good idea to have these lesions looked at, diagnosed, and treated appropriately. You can go to urgent care, ER, or call your surgeon and let him or her know what is going on. Hope this helps.