Recently Answered Questions
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Do I have to terminate my pregnancy as I took steroids for herpes zoster infection?
Query: Hi doctor, I am being advised to terminate the desired pregnancy because of the medication I have been prescribed to tackle a virus that I got just after becoming pregnant. I am looking for a second medical opinion on whether termination is necessary. I would like to understand the risks to the fetu... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The increased exposure to corticosteroids can cross the placental barrier and cause adrenal suppression in the fetus. This can lead to salt wasting, electrolyte imbalances, and even poor development of the fetus. The organs can also have improper development, and an... Read Full »
I have shingles and taking Acyclovir. Can I travel?
Query: Hello doctor,I am a patient, age 30, with Crohn’s disease. I take Humira and recently had a flare up, thus started a round of Prednisone to get through the flare-up. The combination of Humira and Prednisone has resulted in shingles. I saw a dermatologist who prescribed Acyclovir. I was six days in... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your post. Shingles involve a single dermatome. So, it is unlikely going to spread and will heal completely in two weeks. Prednisolone is a steroid and can cause reactivation of Shingles. So you need to take Acyclovir at least for one week and continue... Read Full »
I have painful ulcers, after using hair removal cream in my bikini area. Why?
Query: Hi doctor, I have used hair removal cream on my bikini area and never had any reactions before. But, this time it irritated my labia, and I have two painful ulcers. I have been using Vagisil and Hc45 hydrocortisone cream for three days, but it is still the same. Kindly help. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. From the pictures attached, it appears like herpes genitalis (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). I suggest you the tablet Acyclovir (antiviral drug) 200 mg tablet, five times a day for five days, and the following tests: 1... Read Full »
What could be the cause for the sore at the tip of my lips?
Query: Hi doctor, I have this sudden sore at the tip of my lips. I am wondering what could it be. I used to have frequent fat sacks, but this seems very different. I am attaching a close-up photo of it. Please advice. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your complaint and have seen the attached photograph (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You are having herpes infection which is a viral infection. You should try taking a course of antiviral like tablet Acyclovir 400 mg thrice in a ... Read Full »
What could be the cause of penis blisters?
Query: Hello doctor,I have blisters on the head of my penis due to masturbation without proper lubricant. I thought that it would heal by itself in a few days but now the blister popped and the skin is very tender and hurts to the touch. Also, another blister of sort, developed on the tip. It cannot be an ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. There are a few conditions which cause painful blisters even without a sexual contact, like genital herpes, primary syphilis, impetigo among others. Please provide more details: Are these blisters painful or painless? Is there a discharge that you noticed? Is th... Read Full »
Shall I take Lysine for herpes infection?
Query: Hi doctor, I have herpes. It was diagnosed around 2 years ago. I had a breakout and took some antiviral Acyclovir pills. I am starting to have outbreaks again on my lips. I have both types of herpes. I have heard that Lysine fights herpes and so I am taking some vitamins too. I would like to know ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. You need to understand the basic pathology about herpes. You had herpes genitalis in the past and there are chances of you having recurrent episode if your immunity is low.As your partner also has it, you both need to take antiviral therapy. The most important line of man... Read Full »
Kindly suggest a treatment plan for keratitis.
Query: Hi doctor, I am suffering from stromal viral keratitis. My doctor mentioned in my report as stromal keratitis (herpes?). Is that herpes? Also I was prescribed Pred forte, Add Tears and Acivir ointment. Are these right medicines? This is the second episode after five years. Please help. Read Full »
Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Let me share some facts about viral infection of eye. Primary viral infection of the eye is usually followed by recurrent infection that may involve any or all layers of cornea. Cornea has three layers: Epithelium, stroma and endothelium. It is when the s... Read Full »
A tender bump on the side of my nose is causing painful headaches. What is it?
Query: Hello doctor, I have a tender bump on the side of my nose, which is slowly getting bigger. It is on the right side of the bridge of my nose, and it is hot to touch. It does not look red, but it is extremely painful. My eyes and forehead also hurt and is causing a very painful headache. I have chroni... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your post, but it would have been better if you had posted a photograph of the lesion. There are three possibilities: Herpes zoster of the ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve. This one is a problem because it may affect the eye, so it needs to be... Read Full »
Can I take Acyclovir until I find Valcivir?
Query: Hello doctor, Tablet containing Acyclovir 200 mg is only available here. I have arranged to receive tablet Valcivir 1000 mg, but it will take a week to reach here. Kindly advise. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Acyclovir can be taken as 800 mg five times daily. Usually, Acyclovir is a dispersible tablet. Place four tablets in a glass of water and then you can drink the water once the tablets dissolve. Repeat this five times daily for five days. After a week, there is no p... Read Full »
Is the OraQuick HIV home testing really accurate?
Query: Hello doctor,I am a male who had unprotected intercourse two days ago with a female who had tested negative on Oralquick two months ago. Turns out she has been quite active, and I am debating on doing PEP. I can see her on Tuesday and she said will take another test but that will be 96 hours. I can ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Acyclovir has no effect on PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Yes, it would be wise to start PEP and later you can stop it. Oraquick is not reliable after two days of exposure. Hope it helps. Read Full »