Recurring shingles

Posted by sdumas0001 @sdumas0001, 2 days ago

I have had shingles on the right side of my right knee...7 times in the last 2 years. I am sure this is not normal. Buy my doctor does not seem too concerned. I am concerned due to the continued zinger nerve pain that I have in that spot all of the time now. Also, I have been previously diagnosed with epstein barr virus and chronic fatigue syndrome so when the shingles hits me; I feel so irritable and miserable. It makes my chronic fatigue flare up and I just have to let everything run its course. My doctor gives me a stand-by prescription of an antiviral medicine to help shorten the shingles cycle. Can someone help me figure out why this is happening. Should I find another doctor? Should I just press the issue more with my current doctor?

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seniormed | @seniormed | 2 days ago

It may be that you have “cold sores” on that knee.
Herpes simplex is capable of colonizing sites other than
the area around our mouth.
Your doctor can send out a culture if you want to find out. Longer term treatment with oral antivirals such as
Valacyclovir daily has been used safely for prevention . If you don’t
want orals topical antiviral meds will help when it occurs.
Have you noticed any triggers for your outbreaks?

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