I have 'shingles' for days now and it's getting worse(?)

Hi Kent!

I am so sorry you are going through this disease.

First, the lancinating pain usually intensifies the first two to three weeks before it lessens. The vesicles-blisters come out in crops or waves over a period of five days. The fluid is clear, then turns darker. Once all the vesicles have scabbed over, you are no longer considered contagious.

Only if you can cover all the vesicles-blisters should you expose the public.

I would suggest that you obtain an Opioid analgesic for the pain before the weekend starts.

The entire disease process can take up to one month, barring any complications. The most dreaded complication is Post Herpetic Neuralgia PHN. If you do not achieve excellent pain control within the first month, the risk of developing Post Herpetic Neuralgia and/ or recurrent episodes of Herpes Zoster Shingles is much higher

Accompanying symptoms of Herpes Zoster Shingles include the following: headache, malaise, aches and pains, chills and sweating, and fatigue and exhaustion. The fatigue and exhaustion can continue for months after the rash and pain disappear. You cannot power through this disease. You need to rest and sleep.

Regarding the diet, there is no special diet, but to prevent recurrent episodes of Herpes Zoster Shingles, Google Herpes and follow high Lysine low Arginine diet. Arginine triggers the varicella Herpes virus and Lysine prevents it. I am not a fanatic regarding diet, but eat a Mediterranean diet, high Lysine low Arginine diet, and this has helped me regarding recurrent episodes of Herpes Zoster Shingles.

I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States and have had Herpes Zoster Shingles in my right ear every three to five weeks for the past twentyone years and twice in my eye.

Please let me know how you are doing.

Best Wishes.

Merry Juliana

My pleasure, Kent!

Merry Juliana

Hi Kent,

If all the vesicles-blisters have scabbed over, you are no longer considered contagious. Some people at work will ask less questions if you cover up the lesions with a bandaids or dressing if you still have any scabs.

Are you having any pain or tenderness at the area of the rash? Are you taking any analgesics?

May I ask your age?

I would need these three answers to respond to your question regarding the development of Post Herpetic Neuralgia.

Regarding the high Lysine low Arginine diet. It is to prevent recurrent episodes of Herpes Zoster Shingles. It has been life altering for those affected by recurrent episodes of Herpes Zoster Shingles. You can eat whatever you wish, but I avoid foods with a high Arginine content. Remember, it is the ratio of Lysine to Arginine that counts.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Merry Juliana

Hi Kent,

Here are the fods you should include in your diet

Foods to Include:

During a shingles outbreak, it's a good idea to add foods to your diet that have a higher ratio of lysine to arginine. These include fish, poultry, beef, lamb, brewer’s yeast, and most fruits and vegetables except peas. In addition, extra vitamin C in your diet can help boost your immunity and shorten an outbreak. Be sure to incorporate plenty of citrus fruits, pineapple, mango, leafy greens, avocados, apples, pears, peaches, apricots, papaya, and plentiful of beans into your meals, both to prevent shingles outbreaks and to help lessen their severity.

Sample Menu: You don't have to deprive yourself during a shingles outbreak; simply create a menu that minimizes arginine-rich foods. For foods with more lysine than arginine, try plain, low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese with fresh pineapple for your morning meal. A good lunch option would be a salad of leafy greens topped with tuna or grilled chicken breast and chopped veggies. For your dinner, broil salmon or cod and serve with steamed vegetables. A meatless meal could be a bowl of black bean soup with sliced avocado. For snacks, try dried fruit such as figs or apricots, celery sticks stuffed with goat cheese, or a smoothie made with low-fat milk, mango and whey protein.

Recipe for essential oils: (I have tried this one and has worked great!)

In 30 ml oil (Coconut, olive or almond), add

8 drops of teat tree oil

6 drops of lavender oil

Few drops of Eucalyptus oil

Please avoid these food

All Nuts and seeds

Soy foods

Chocolate

Oats

Whole-wheat and white 'our

Wheat germ

Coconut

Carob

Gelatin

Sugary foods and beverage

Blueberries

Blackberries

Elderberries

Strawberries

Grapes

Tomatoes

Caffein

First of all shingles are not contagious to anyone who has had chickenpox. It would br contagious only if fluid is touched from a blister and to a person who has never had chickenpox and they could get chicken pox not shingles. The duration is different for everyone. Some re cooperate in two-four weeks. Symptoms vary from person to person. I have a severe case around my lower back, belly, groin and thigh. Mine started July 20 and still have them as of Sept 11. The wicked nerve pain is gone but I still suffer fro lower back ache and discomfort in my groin and leg when walking too much. Rash still there but faded. On and off have burning pain in rash area. I took ketorolak for a few days but that made me sleepy. Then adasol 30 which helped but they constipated me. Now I take xstrenth Tylenol.  I am using solarcaine with aloe Vera when needed for burning.  Lots of rest is the key to recovery.  Hope this helps.