Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My mother was diagnosed to have herpes zoster. Also, her doctor says that the herpes has caused ulcers. I would like to know in how much time it will heal? Is herpes zoster a dangerous one?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read and understand your concern.
As you know, Herpes zoster is a viral infection. It takes 7 to 10 days for the lesions to heal. But, in patients who are diabetic, old age, secondarily infected and with an incomplete antiviral dose or seropositive it can take up to 15 days to get cured. In elderly age group even after the skin lesions heal the patient might experience intense pain in that particular area. It is called as postherpetic neuralgia. Kapsi gel can be applied (Capsaicin) once the skin is completely healed to relieve pain. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and take the medicine with consent. How many days before she was diagnosed? What is her age? Please send images of the area.
Looking forward to your response in order to help you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I have sent the images. Please check.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read and understand your concern.
Is the patient bedridden? It looks more like bedsores. Her present image does not look like a herpes zoster. But the other factors like I mentioned improper antiviral medication, old age and secondary infection, which is present in this case can lead to this. Check for blood sugar levels also.
Looking forward to your response in order to help you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
No, she is not bedridden. Also, her blood sugar reports are normal.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read and understand your concern.
Happy to know that her blood sugar level is fine. These kinds of ulcers in herpes zoster can be present if the patient is immunocompromised. Differential diagnosis can be trophic ulcers (painless ulcer goes deep into the skin). In any case, the management of the ulcer is the goal at present along with the present treatment plan. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has shown good results in healing of ulcers. Please consult your doctor regarding this.
Looking forward to your response in order to help you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
What is platelet rich plasma?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read and understand your concern.
Platelets have growth factors, which help in the better healing of ulcers. In PRP procedure, the patient's blood sample is taken and platelets are separated by centrifugation.
Looking forward to your response in order to help you.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Thakare Sampada Avinash
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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