Question 1

how are genital shingles and herpes different?

Accepted Answer

Virus: Shingles is reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, or chickenpox.  It usually takes a dermatomal pattern, so having isolated genital shingles would be rare.  The lesions would be similar, with vesicles/blisters (vzv and hsv are related).

Question 2

its my girlfriend of 4 years. shes had shingles (on her shoulders) before, and now she has a genital outbreak for 1st time. is this the same?

Accepted Answer

See doctor : indeed herpes virus may be underlying cause for both, but there may be other causes underlying her “genital outbreak” and both of you should practice safe sex with barrier condom or refrain from sex, and urge both of you to followup with your doctor as soon as possible

Question 3

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 4

can you get hsv 2 on the top of your foot? i got an infection in my eye 6 months ago. not sure whether it was hsv-1 or 2 or shingles. now i have an outbreak on the top of my foot. also will it travel to my genitals? as of now its only on my foot?

Accepted Answer

Basics: An outbreak on your foot could be shingles which is herpes zoster, not HSV 1 or 2. You get HSV 1 or 2 on the genitals or in the orofacial (near the mouth).These germs are locality based and don't enter your blood to go to new sites.The shingles virus travels down a nerve root where it was hibernating after childhood chickenpox.

Question 5

what is the difference in appearance between herpes simplex and shingles on your genitals?

Accepted Answer

Shingles is dermatom: Shingles is caused by herpes simplex virus type 3.  Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 and less commonly type 1.    Type 1 and 2 cause a painful blister type rash with a red base that evolves into an ulceration.  Type 3 (shingles) causes a blister type rash but usually only on one side and usually extends along the thigh , leg or abdomen (a "dermatomal" distribution).

Question 6

please help! what is the main physical difference between herpes simplex and shingles on your genitals?

Accepted Answer

The virus involved..: Herpes virus related breakout on genitals is referred to herpes type ii (hsv-2), not simplex ( type i, hsv-1, which is usually face/lips). Shingles is a recurrence of pox virus (varicella zoster virus which typically causes acute, short-lived chickenpox in children) ; breakout can be anywhere, nearly always only one sided ; not commonly involving the genitals.

Question 7

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 8

can a shingles outbreak cause high fever and rash on genitals?

Accepted Answer

Herpes: If it looks like shingles and is on your genitals, it is much more likely to be herpes. So you doctor to have it checked.

Question 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Genital shingles symptoms

A member asked:

How are genital shingles and herpes different?

A member asked:

Its my girlfriend of 4 years. shes had shingles (on her shoulders) before, and now she has a genital outbreak for 1st time. is this the same?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Can you get hsv 2 on the top of your foot? i got an infection in my eye 6 months ago. not sure whether it was hsv-1 or 2 or shingles. now i have an outbreak on the top of my foot. also will it travel to my genitals? as of now its only on my foot?

A member asked:

What is the difference in appearance between herpes simplex and shingles on your genitals?

A member asked:

Please help! what is the main physical difference between herpes simplex and shingles on your genitals?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Can a shingles outbreak cause high fever and rash on genitals?

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

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