Ask the Doc

Elizabeth Anderson Responds:

Thanks for your question.  Shingles can certainly be a problematic and painful condition.  Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella virus most of us acquired when we had the chickenpox as children.  In most cases the condition is self-limiting and may not actually require treatment.  Widespread or severe cases can be treated with antiviral medications and prednisone.  Pain control often is often critical in managing active shingles as well as post-herpetic neuralgia.  We'd be happy to take a look if his sypmtoms persist.

-Dr. Anderson

Answer Published on 1/16/2010 at 2:13 PM