Shingles Outbreak After MM?

Question

10 days post MM and I got a small shingles outbreak on my flank area about an inch and a bit away from my scar. I have gotten them in the past, mainly while pregnant with each of my kids. Has anyone experienced this before? Why does this happen? Can I take the medication for it while taking the muscle relaxers? Is there something topical?

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Ouch!  This is occuring because of a "reactivation" of the varicella virus that has been in your body.   Please see your Internist or PCP for anti-viral treatment.  Best of luck.

	Dr. Basu

	Houston, TX

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The varicella virus lives in your body well after your initial chicken pox infection.  Surgical stress can cause a dormant infection to reactivate.  You should check with your doctor and begin antiviral treatment right away, and if you are scheduled for any other surgery you should probably start the meds 3 to 4 days before the procedure.

	 

	Sorry you have this.....

Shingles Outbreak After MM?

Answers (2)