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I was told I have shingles at 17?

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July 24th, 2011
For almost a week now, I have experienced severe pain through my left arm and a rash on the left side of my body. Yesterday, which was Saturday, I was told I have shingles. I was given a narcotic for the pain, a cream for the rash, and medication to get rid of the shingles. I have to go back Monday morning to make sure I am responding to the medication they are giving me. My question is, i know I haven't even taken a full days worth of medication yet, but I woke up this morning and the rash had gotten worse and spread. Because they wanted to see me Monday, I assumed the medicine was fast acting. If this is true, why did my rash get worse? Does it mean I am not responding to the medication?

Also, i am a very healthy 17 year old girl. I was told most people my age don't get shingles. Is this damaging or harmful in any way, as in long-term affects?


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replied August 11th, 2011
Infectious Diseases Answer A25910
Hello and welcome to e health forum.

It is usual for the rash to worsen sometimes before it gets better.

Though antiviral medications are given to control the symptoms , they need to be taken for a few days before the effects are evident. The symptoms may not improve on the first day of treatment.

But narcotics and creams provided do help to reduce the symptoms to some extent.

Shingles or Herpes zoster usually clears in 2 to 3 weeks and rarely recurs. If the virus affects the nerves that control movement (the motor nerves), you may have temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis.

Sometimes, the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may last from months to years.


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