Question 1

can antibiotics treat shingles?

Accepted Answer

No: Shingles is caused by a virus, not a bacteria, so antibiotics will not work on it.  An antiviral medication may be used however.  Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed if the skin lesions get infected because then skin bacteria may cause a secondary infection.

Question 2

what is the antibiotic for shingles?

Accepted Answer

See below: For simple uncomplicated, shingles, there is no "antibiotic" (antibacterials) unless a secondary bacterial illness occurs, but  antivirals can be used like acyclovir, Famciclovir or valacyclovir  shorten the outbreak.

Question 3

doctors, can my shingles spread if i am on antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

No: Do not worry, it will have no bearing on the ultimate course.

Question 4

i received an antibiotic for shingles on january 2nd. i also tested positive for covid-19 on the 1st. the antibiotic is gone. but my shingles are not dried up completely yet. is there something i should be doing?

Accepted Answer

Shingles treatment: Probably the drug was acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex). It's not really an antibiotic, but an anti-viral drugs to treat herpes type infection, including shingles. Usually shingles clears up before 4 weeks, so check back with the doctor who presented treatment. You might need more anti-herpes treatment; or perhaps if you now have a secondary skin infection, maybe an antibiotic. Good luck.

Question 5

i have shingles i'm on a antiviral antibiotic  how long will it take for rash to go away?

Accepted Answer

Shingles: Rash begins to dry up in a week or two and may take a month to disappear completely.

Question 6

how long after taking antibiotics does shingles start to heal?

Accepted Answer

Shingles: Antibiotics will not help. Shingles is caused by a virus. With Acyclovir or Valtrex (valacyclovir) the lesions can start to crust in 5 - 7 days.

Question 7

is it ok to continue penicillin antibiotics to finish course when starting antiviral medicine for shingles?

Accepted Answer

Yes: OK to overlap antiviral with the antibiotic as prescribed.

Question 8

i'm on antibiotics for an earache.can i go and have my shingles vaccination and continue with the antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Shingles vaccine: Yes as long as you have no fever you can take the vaccine.

Question 9

i was recently diagnosed with the shingles and i've been taking antibiotics but a couple days after i started noticing bumps on my buttocks. can it be herpes and not shingles?

Accepted Answer

Viral: shingles will not respond to antibiotics unless they lesions become infected with a bacteria

Question 10

i have an under arm lump. do i need an antibiotic or is there a home remedy? i recently took a long road trip. i was unable to shower for 2 days. also i have had shingles as a young man. i am 24. i also on this trip picked up a cold so i tried a variety o

Accepted Answer

A : A new lump in that area could be due to many things. It can be an inflamed cyst, ingrown hair or boil, or inflamed lymph node. If the lump is not enlarging, non-tender and you do not have fever and other symptoms you can monitor it at home. You can try warm towel compresses for 15 minutes several times a day. If it enlarges, becomes painful, or you become feverish, you should see a physician. If the lump does not resolve in a week, you should visit physician for evaluation and treatment. Take care, .

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Doctor answers about:

Antibiotics treat shingles

A member asked:

Can antibiotics treat shingles?

A member asked:

What is the antibiotic for shingles?

A member asked:

Doctors, can my shingles spread if i am on antibiotics?

A member asked:

I received an antibiotic for shingles on january 2nd. i also tested positive for covid-19 on the 1st. the antibiotic is gone. but my shingles are not dried up completely yet. is there something i should be doing?

A member asked:

I have shingles i'm on a antiviral antibiotic how long will it take for rash to go away?

A member asked:

How long after taking antibiotics does shingles start to heal?

A member asked:

Is it ok to continue penicillin antibiotics to finish course when starting antiviral medicine for shingles?

A member asked:

I'm on antibiotics for an earache.can i go and have my shingles vaccination and continue with the antibiotics?

A member asked:

I was recently diagnosed with the shingles and i've been taking antibiotics but a couple days after i started noticing bumps on my buttocks. can it be herpes and not shingles?

A member asked:

I have an under arm lump. do i need an antibiotic or is there a home remedy? i recently took a long road trip. i was unable to shower for 2 days. also i have had shingles as a young man. i am 24. i also on this trip picked up a cold so i tried a variety o

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