I Have Shingles a Month After My Hair Transplant

Hi Dr. Rassman,

I had an all FOX procedure at your San Jose office in August and am anxiously waiting for my grafts to grow. I just found out I have a case of the shingles (2nd time — first was six years ago) and am worried that this might affect my results.

Is this something I need to be concerned about? The shingles are confined to a small area of my lower back. I’m 41 and in good health otherwise. I’d appreciate your feedback.

Shingles (otherwise known as herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering rash caused by the chickenpox (varicella) virus. You can only get shingles if you have previously had chickenpox. After having chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerves, and shingles occurs when it is revitalized in one particular nerve to the skin, thus explaining the way it affects a clearly demarcated band of skin only (in your case, your lower back). Having shingles does not mean you have active chickenpox or are contagious.

With respect to shingles affecting your hair transplant, you should not be concerned. It should not affect your transplants or your hair growth.

Take care of your shingles, and I wish you well with the recovery.