do these have a connection??

would shingles...be a autoimmune ?? i ahve things going on ...it seems the dr.'s just cant fignure it out. 1 dr. says one thing and another says another. ??i have 1 spot lower left side of my spine.size od dime to a quarter. it hurts so bad, when coming on...and when i have.till it crust over. help me???

[free3667]

Without seeing what it actually looks like, its hard to make a diagnosis. Shingles comes from the same virus as Chickenpox. It is more common in the older population. When the virus is no longer dormant, it tends to follow your nerve tract found around the flank of your torso. It is very painful because of the nerves involved. Even when treated, some people can experience the pain months to years after. Scientist are still trying to figure out what exactly causes the breakout of the dormant virus. Much theory is lead to believe that stress has played a role, probably because stress decreases your body's defense system. Shingles is contagious to those who have never been exposed to or had the chickenpox virus or who have not been vaccinated. If you ever had the chickenpox, which most of the population has since the vaccine did not come out until around 1995, then you are at risk for Shingles. However, today there is a new vaccine for Shingles for those at risk. This is something you may want to discuss with your physician. The rash itself may resemble small tiny vesicles (blister-like bubbles) same as chickenpox. Once they crust over you are no longer contagious.

[thyroidian]

Hi Shingles, is the Varicella Zoster Virus, it is not an auto-immune disease.

If you think this is Shingles, then you first need a swab sample taken of the spot, and sent of for histology.
Then you will get a correct diagnosis, of what it is.
I say this because Shingles, and herpes, can look the same, as it is the same herpes family virus.
Once diagnosed proper, then you can have the correct treatment, to clear it up.

The treatment for shingles is usually aciclovir.

I would definately ask the doctor to take a swab test, then you will get the proper accurate diagnosis.


Good Luck
Nicola