HomeAnswersDermatologyherpes zosterI have herpes zoster. When will my rashes go away?

How long will it take for herpes zoster rashes to go away?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At February 21, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 10, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 58-year-old male patient with diabetes. I recently had a herpes zoster skin infection on my back for which I was having Acyclovir and tablet Zoryl 1 mg. My pain has subsided on using the medicine but my rashes still persist. I want to know when will they go.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. As I have gone through the image provided (attachment not provided to protect the patient's identity). As herpes zoster rashes are similar to rashes of chicken pox, it will take a few weeks to completely fade off since they go through stages of formation of papules, and vesicles, and then heal by scab formation and then fades off. The formation of scabs and rashes which forms as an end effect of herpes zoster lesions will eventually fade and will clear up. Larger and deeper scabs or rashes may form scars similar to chicken pox and the rest of them will heal completely without forming scars. Usually, no medications are needed for the same as they may heal by normal skin repair mechanism. Since there is also a history of diabetes, the healing may be slower compared to usual. However, if diabetes is well controlled it may heal better and faster. I will also request you to look for signs like pain, tenderness, secretion or discharge, and fever, if such signs are present then you need to have a physician consultation and oral antibiotics. But I think currently you do not have them as I have seen in the image and these rashes will heal in four to six weeks. There is nothing to worry about. I hope the information I have provided will be helpful to you. Stay healthy and take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty
Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Venereology

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