Q: I am 72 years old and I sufferered from herpes last year on my left shoulder and arm which was severe and painful. It took about three months to recover. Almost ten months later, about two days back, I had pain in left shoulder and some rashes which were not so watery, on the right elbow. There is no fever or anything. Could I get herpes again and could it be as severe as earlier? What kind of care do I need at this age. I have a very dry skin and severe problems of corns in my feet too.

A:It appears that you had Herpes Zoster. Second attack of this condition is rare. Recurrence usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore once the recurrence is confirmed, investigations to unravel underlying predisposing factors become mandatory. On the other hand, you may be having some other problem. Hence I recommend that you consult your Dermatologist without delay.