herpes zoster or shingles

[enferma]

It is normal to get herpes zoster's outbreaks every month? I am taking valacyclovir 500 mg. a day as a prvention and I still get the outbreak. any suggestions?

[enferma]

I will see  an ID specialist I saw 2 neurologist and both recommend it.
Last doctor thinks is not shingles like I was told, I cant wait to find out.
Thanks

[belladonna99]

If 3 docs say its zoster then its pretty definitely zoster. The valtrex dose given by Londres is correct for the time when the outbreak is present. In my country Valtrex is not licensed for suppression of zoster. You are taking the dose that suppresses the majority (but not all )of simplex outbreaks. The dose to treat zoster is higher than the dose to treat simplex, so I am guessing that the dose to suppress zoster may be higher than the dose to suppress simplex. You might discuss with your docs whether you could try 500mg twice daily. If u are immunocompromised eg by taking steroids, chemotherapy etc this could lead to more outbreaks as the virus never leaves your body ( you probably got it as chicken pox as a child) and reactivates when your own immune system is weakened.

[Londres70]

So sorry, totally read the question wrong.  You have Herpes Zoster, yes, shingles.  I was focusing on the Herpes part and not the Zoster.  I have NEVER heard of anyone getting an outbreak every month.  Perhaps the outbreak is NOT completely clearing and continuing for months.  

Valtrex is usually dosed 1000 mg 3x/day for 7 days for Herpes Zoster outbreaks.  

[enferma]

female 46 years old, I had a hysterectomy long ago, so I dont get my period or take birth control, pills. I understand is herpes zoster (shingles) I get blisters under my lower lip and in my tongue. Burning is left side of my body.

[enferma]

I saw a family doctor, a dermatologist, and a neurologist. they all agree that first I got shingles and is the same virus zoster

[belladonna99]

are u sure it is zoster? It is unusual to get zoster every month, especially if u r taking valtrex, Are u immunosuppressed eg taking steroids, chemotherapy or are u very run down?

[Londres70]

What kind of herpes outbreak are you experiencing?  Herpes simplex I or II?  

[Jolynnhi]

Hello, may I ask are you female or male? If your female do you take Birth control, birth certain birth controls have been linked in monthly outbreaks do to the rise of cortisol although there is no proof but many cases. Here is a list of things that can also stimulate the nerve?
1. Stress (elevated cortisol is a byproduct)
2. Sun burns
3. Menstruation
4. Nuerectomy (surgical removal of a nerve)
5. Infection (lowered immune response)
Hope this helps.