Getting shingles can be a very frightening experience. Luckily, there are treatments available that can help ease the pain. In addition, there are several ways to help prevent the disease from spreading.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Shingles Herpes Zoster include fever, chills, pain, tingling, numbness, and a rash. The rash is characterized by blisters, usually on one side of the body. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The virus is usually not contagious and it can occur in people who have never had chickenpox. However, if the immune system is weak, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.
Shingles are a viral infection that affects the nerve cells in the body. It usually only affects one side of the body, but it can spread to other areas. In some cases, a person can have nerve pain for years.
A shingles rash is made up of a band of small blisters that are filled with clear fluid. These blisters appear on the skin and may become crusty. The rash may also spread to other parts of the body. The rash is most common on the torso, neck, and face, but can affect other areas of the body as well.
Some of the early symptoms of shingles include sensitivity to light, a headache, and fatigue. These symptoms are usually present three or four days before a rash occurs. These symptoms should not be ignored and should be taken seriously. If you experience a high fever and rash, contact your health care provider.
The rash usually heals within a couple of weeks, but some people experience nerve pain for months or even years. If you are experiencing nerve pain and other shingles symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
In addition to a painful rash, a person with shingles may develop post-herpetic neuralgia, which is severe pain that lasts for weeks or longer. This condition is most common in older patients and is a sign of an immune system that is weakened.
Treatment
Approximately one in three people will experience shingles in their lifetime. Symptoms of shingles include pain, swelling of the nerves, tingling, fever, and muscle weakness.
There are several different types of antiviral medicines that are used to treat shingles. These include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. These medicines can tamp down the virus and reduce the damage to nerves. Some people may also be prescribed corticosteroids orally or topically.
If you have shingles, you will notice that your skin looks red, swollen, and itchy. Blisters will appear on your skin and they will scab over in 7 to 10 days. If you are not careful, you can touch the rash and spread the infection. It is important to get professional medical attention if you are experiencing shingles.
If you have shingles, you can take ibuprofen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain. You can also use oatmeal baths to help relieve the itching.
If you have shingles, you may experience tingling or burning in your eye, as well as vision loss. You may also experience facial paralysis.
If you are older, you may have more severe complications. You are more likely to develop post-herpetic neuralgia, which is a condition that can result in nerve pain that persists for months or even years.
Getting a shingles vaccine is recommended for people over the age of 50. It is not 100% effective but can lessen the intensity of a shingles outbreak. You will need to receive two doses, two to six months apart.
If you have a weakened immune system or are having problems with your immune system, you will be more at risk of getting shingles. This can happen after you have had chickenpox, or after you have had a weakened immune system for a long time.
Preventing spread
Getting a varicella vaccination can help you prevent shingles, a very painful skin disease that can cause complications. It’s recommended that children receive a varicella vaccine at age 4-6 years, and then adults should get a second shot at least a year after the first dose.
The virus is highly contagious. It’s spread by contact with blisters on the skin, and by coughing or sneezing. It’s especially dangerous for people who have weakened immune systems. It’s also possible to contract it from someone who already has shingles.
The most common area where shingles appear is on the face or torso. In severe cases, blisters can merge into a skin rash that looks like a burn. If you have shingles, you should cover up the rash as much as possible to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
A varicella vaccination can help protect you from developing chickenpox. The vaccine is also recommended for people with weakened immune systems. The virus stays dormant in your body for several years after you have had chickenpox, but it can reactivate many years later.
A shingles rash usually appears in a band, called the dermatome, on one side of the body. It’s very painful, and sometimes pain relievers are needed to manage the symptoms.
You’re not contagious during the shingles attack, but the blisters can be spread after they dry. To protect yourself, cover up the rash as soon as you notice a rash forming. If you are sick, avoid visiting people who have shingles. It’s also important to wash your hands frequently and not touch any part of the rash.
You’re not likely to catch shingles from a person who has it, but you can still get it if you have a history of chickenpox or another herpes infection.
Postherpetic neuralgia
Among the most common complications of herpes zoster (HZ) is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is a chronic form of pain that can be debilitating. It usually affects the nerves and may be related to other conditions.
PHN is more common in people over the age of 50. It is also more likely to be found in women. PHN symptoms include deep aching, numbness, and burning. They can last for months or years.
In order to treat PHN, doctors usually start by treating the symptoms. This can help prevent long-term nerve pain. In addition, a shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of shingles. The vaccine is now recommended for people over 60.
PHN is a very debilitating condition and can have a large impact on your quality of life. It is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history, including any other conditions. You might also be asked about any medications you take.
Antiviral medications can help ease the pain. They are available over the counter or by prescription. Taking these medications within the first 72 hours of developing shingles may reduce the amount of pain you feel.
Analgesics are also prescribed to relieve the pain. These medicines work by blocking the pain signals in your brain. Some of the common analgesics include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and tricyclic anti-depressants. You might experience side effects such as blurred vision and nausea.
You can help relieve the discomfort of PHN by using looser clothing. Try to avoid touching the affected area with your hands. Some people find that brushing their hair or clothing against the skin can cause pain.
Tests for shingles
Usually, the diagnosis of shingles is based on the symptoms and the rash. But in some cases, a test may be ordered.
This type of testing helps identify the virus and can help diagnose and treat the disease. The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles. The first is a skin rash that can occur on the body, face, or eyes. It’s usually painful, causing a burning sensation. The rash will typically disappear in a few weeks. If the symptoms continue, you will need to take antiviral medications. These medicines will reduce pain and prevent serious complications.
In the United States, one in three people gets shingles. This is especially true for those who have had chickenpox in the past. However, there are certain populations that are at a higher risk for shingles. These people include those who have weakened immune systems, those who are over 60 years old, and those who have had a previous chickenpox infection.
The symptoms of shingles can be a combination of the rash and other symptoms. These symptoms can look like ringworm, a skin condition called seborrhea or an allergic reaction. The rash, however, is the most common sign. It is a blistering rash that often appears on the face or around the trunk. The rash will then crust over.
The rash usually goes away on its own, but some patients experience chronic pain. These symptoms can be mild or severe. If the patient has nerve damage, postherpetic neuralgia can develop. PHN can last from months to years.
If the tests show that the rash is due to shingles, antiviral medication can be prescribed. The drug may also shorten the course of the illness.
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