Question 1

how to know it is shingles or genital herpes?

Accepted Answer

Dermatomal Rash: Generally shingles follow a dermatomal path meaning follow the path of a spinal nerve exiting the spine.  Genital herpes stays around the mouth, groin and rectal areas mostly.  There are always exceptions to the rule but this should help distinguish the two most of the time.

Question 2

if i had genital herpes, how did i get shingles?

Accepted Answer

Not related: Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus i or ii.  Shingles is caused by the "chicken pox" virus, which is also a herpes virus (herpes zoster).  The only people who get shingles, are those who have had the chicken pox.

Question 3

do i need shingles vaccine if i might have had genital herpes?

Accepted Answer

Not related: Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. They're 2 different viruses. The shingles vaccine won't protect against the genital herpes virus. There is no cure for genital herpes, but there is treatment. See your doctor if you have painful sores in the genital area.

Question 4

can a genital herpes outbreak take the form of shingles on the cheek?the first outbreak years ago was bc of hsv 1, no test done this time.

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Shingles is moat often attributed to the chicken pox (hsv family), not genital (hsv2). Dr can test, if indicated for clarification.

Question 5

i have a red rash that itches on my groin. the doc said its shingles but i'm not buying it. i think it's genital herpes? any advice? what should i do

Accepted Answer

Both are herpes: Viruses.  Herpes zoster (shingles) are almost always on one side in a band like pattern and simplex can be on both sides at the same time if occurring for the first time but if recurrent usually just a small patch. Shingles is uncommon but can occur in a 29 year old.

Question 6

should i get a shingles shot?  69 years old, had chicken pox, exposed to genital herpes apparently the lowest cost shingles shot i can get is $75, which for a senior on a fixed income is a lot of money.

however, i had chicken pox as a child; i've never

Accepted Answer

I : I would recommend that it is beneficial to get shingles vaccine for you. The risk of you getting shingles is as average as any person of your age group. Genital herpes does not have any role in incidence of shingles.  But the after effects of shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), meaning pain and burning sensation in the area where the person had the rash from shingles even after the rash disappears in some individuals is very uncomfortable and this seems to increase with age. The benefit from vaccine decreases as you delay the vaccine after 70 yrs. The vaccine has shown that it decreases the intensity of shingles episode and incidence and intensity of post herpetic neuralgia. 
If you sum the cost of the doctor visits and medications needed to treat post herpetic neuralgia, the cost of shingles vaccine is definitely lower. 
I hope this is helpful. I wish you the very best.

Question 7

could lagophthalmos be cause by herpes zoster (shingles)?

Accepted Answer

It is possible: that Herpes Zoster opthalmicus causes lagophthalmos.

Question 8

how to cure pus caused by herpes zoster? im already taking up oral antibiotic.

Accepted Answer

Herpes zoster: Keep taking the antibiotic.  The blisters should dry up after a few days.  If you're impatient, use a sterile needle and pop the blisters, then clean the area with some soap and water.  Then keep the area dry.

Question 9

can someone who had an outbreak of herpes zoster ophthalmicus have dental procedures done? i have heard that operating on the face can cause outbreak

Accepted Answer

HZV Zoster: Yes you can. We can give you an Rx for an antiviral before your procedure if needed. Consult with us or see your doctor for an RX.

Question 10

how to treat herpes zoster? can it cause death?

Accepted Answer

Shingles : Herpes zoster is due to  flaring of dormant chicken pox infection along a verve , usually not lethal but will cause intractable pain even after healing for months ( years ) very little can be done , except symptomatic treatment.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can herpes zoster cause genital herpes

A member asked:

How to know it is shingles or genital herpes?

A member asked:

If i had genital herpes, how did i get shingles?

A member asked:

Do i need shingles vaccine if i might have had genital herpes?

A member asked:

Can a genital herpes outbreak take the form of shingles on the cheek?the first outbreak years ago was bc of hsv 1, no test done this time.

A member asked:

I have a red rash that itches on my groin. the doc said its shingles but i'm not buying it. i think it's genital herpes? any advice? what should i do

A member asked:

Should i get a shingles shot? 69 years old, had chicken pox, exposed to genital herpes apparently the lowest cost shingles shot i can get is $75, which for a senior on a fixed income is a lot of money. however, i had chicken pox as a child; i've never

A member asked:

Could lagophthalmos be cause by herpes zoster (shingles)?

A member asked:

How to cure pus caused by herpes zoster? im already taking up oral antibiotic.

A member asked:

Can someone who had an outbreak of herpes zoster ophthalmicus have dental procedures done? i have heard that operating on the face can cause outbreak

A member asked:

How to treat herpes zoster? can it cause death?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?