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When youre exposed to varicella-zoster virus, your body makes antibodies to defend itself.
Serological testing can detect two types of these antibodies: IgM and IgG.
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Its important to note, however, that these tests arent foolproof.
Your healthcare provider will do their best to diagnose and choosean appropriate treatment.
The clusters may be in the shape of a band or belt.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Later, the pimples will change to pus-filled blisters.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose the rash through examination and possibly lab tests.
If you have a rash that appears suddenly, check with your healthcare provider.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles: Diagnosis & Testing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles: Clinical Overview.
National Human Genome Research Institute.Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
National Institutes of Health.