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Could my recent rash be a symptom of herpes zoster?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had a skin allergy for the past two to three days. I have reddish spots with some blisters on my body's right side.

  1. Is it herpes?
  2. What is the proper remedy for this?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Radela Yvonne L. Ramos-cortes

Education:

FAAI

Professional Bio:

Dr. Radela Yvonne L. Ramos-Cortes is an Allergy Specialist skilled in diagnosing and managing allergic and immunologic conditions. She has expertise in treating asthma, allergic rhinitis, food and drug allergies, eczema, and anaphylaxis. She is experienced in performing allergy testing, immunotherapy, and patient education on trigger avoidance and long-term management strategies, providing personalized care to improve quality of life and prevent complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I need more data.

  1. Is this itchy or painful?
  2. Have you had allergies before?

The pictures you sent (attachment removed to protect patient identity) are reddish with some blisters and affect your body's right side. If this is painful, this looks like it is herpes zoster and not an allergy. This is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Treatment is by taking an antiviral drug called Acyclovir 800 mg a day for one week.

However, I am not sure if you can buy this over the counter. Herpes zoster is usually self-limiting. In other words, your immune system can fight it, but it may take some time and be painful. So you can also buy over-the-counter pain relievers like Paracetamol or Mefenamic acid if you do not have an allergy to these drugs. If it is itchy, you can take any antihistamine like Loratadine 10 mg or Cetirizine 10 mg once a day for one week.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

It is painful. I will get some antivirals.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Radela Yvonne L. Ramos-cortes

Education:

FAAI

Professional Bio:

Dr. Radela Yvonne L. Ramos-Cortes is an Allergy Specialist skilled in diagnosing and managing allergic and immunologic conditions. She has expertise in treating asthma, allergic rhinitis, food and drug allergies, eczema, and anaphylaxis. She is experienced in performing allergy testing, immunotherapy, and patient education on trigger avoidance and long-term management strategies, providing personalized care to improve quality of life and prevent complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I hope you can buy it over the counter.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At December 5, 2020
Reviewed At July 21, 2026

Education:

FAAI

Professional Bio:

Dr. Radela Yvonne L. Ramos-Cortes is an Allergy Specialist skilled in diagnosing and managing allergic and immunologic conditions. She has expertise in treating asthma, allergic rhinitis, food and drug allergies, eczema, and anaphylaxis. She is experienced in performing allergy testing, immunotherapy, and patient education on trigger avoidance and long-term management strategies, providing personalized care to improve quality of life and prevent complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Education:

FAAI

Professional Bio:

Dr. Radela Yvonne L. Ramos-Cortes is an Allergy Specialist skilled in diagnosing and managing allergic and immunologic conditions. She has expertise in treating asthma, allergic rhinitis, food and drug allergies, eczema, and anaphylaxis. She is experienced in performing allergy testing, immunotherapy, and patient education on trigger avoidance and long-term management strategies, providing personalized care to improve quality of life and prevent complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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