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If you are one of the nine out of ten Americans who have had chickenpox, you are at risk for developing shingles. Shingles is a nasty, painful, viral rash caused by the varicella zoster virus, also known as herpes zoster, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a case of chickenpox heals, the virus can hide in the body for many years, unnoticed, and, if reactivated later in life, can develop into a case of shingles.
At least half of shingles cases are seen in people over the age of 60, but shingles can develop at any time with little or no warning. The reason for reactivation of the virus isn't clear but people with a weakened immune system because of other illnesses or medications like chemotherapy, seem to be at the highest risk.
Because the main hiding place for the varicella virus is along nerve roots and pathways, an outbreak of the rash can be intensely painful. Vaccines can reduce the chances of developing shingles and early treatment can reduce the severity and duration of the infection.
The first symptom a person may notice is pain, which can be intense. There may be tingling, or a localized area of numbness, generally on one side of the body. Several days later, a rash may develop in that same area, followed by a strip of fluid-filled blisters which will break, itch and crust over. While it's common to see these on the torso, they may also appear on one side of the neck or face, or around one eye.
A person with shingles can pass the virus to anyone who isn't immune to chickenpox, however, in that person, the virus will cause chickenpox and not shingles. Ordinarily, the pain from shingles will decrease and go away as the blisters heal, but in some cases, the pain can continue long after the blisters are gone due to nerve damage caused by the virus. Shingles that occur on the face or around the eye can cause serious eye infections and vision loss.
While there is no cure for shingles, prompt treatment with prescription anti-viral drugs can reduce the risk of complications and speed recovery, and since anti-viral drugs are most effective within the first 72 hours, it's important to be seen by the doctor as quickly as possible when symptoms appear. The shingles vaccine is available to people over the age of 50, and while it doesn't guarantee someone won't get shingles, it can help reduce the severity of symptoms, as well as the risk of complications.
What else can I help you with?
What are the early symptoms of shingles?
When the virus that causes chickenpox reactivates, it causes shingles. Early symptoms of shingles include headache, sensitivity to light, and When the virus that causes chickenpox reactivates, it causes shingles. Early symptoms of shingles include headache, sensitivity to light, and
Will vaccination guarantee that I won't get shingles?
Shingles is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Symptoms include a . Prevention and Shingles Vaccine.
What are the symptoms and treatments of shingles?
The symptoms of shingles are very closely linked to those of chicken pox. Red itchy burning sensations. The inability to normal daily tasks such as walking and getting dressed. There is no treatment for shingles although there is a new vaccine for people over 65.
What are the symptoms causes and treatment measures for benign prostatic hyperplasia?
The symptoms for prostatic hyperplasia are urinary retention and lower urinary track symptoms. The causes are not fully known yet, and the treatment is generally not treating the problem but instead the symptoms the problem causes. Treatment includes trying to reduce the size of the prostate and undergoing drug therapy.
Which herpes causes shingles?
Herpes zoster causes shingles.
Can you get shingles down your arm and elbow?
Yes, it is possible to develop shingles on the arm and elbow. Shingles results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which initially causes chickenpox. The condition typically presents with a painful rash that can appear anywhere on the body, including the arm and elbow. Treatment usually involves antiviral medications to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.
Had shingles Three weeks later have a sunburn looking rash on your back and ankle Also pain on your back Especially top of spine Could it still be from shingles?
Yes, it is possible that the sunburn-like rash and pain on your back and ankle could still be related to shingles, as the virus can cause lingering symptoms even after the initial outbreak. Shingles can lead to postherpetic neuralgia, which may manifest as pain in the affected areas. However, it’s also essential to consider other potential causes for your symptoms. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can fexofenadine be used to treat shingles?
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine primarily used to treat allergic symptoms and is not indicated for the treatment of shingles. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, typically requires antiviral medications, pain relievers, and sometimes corticosteroids for effective management. While fexofenadine may help alleviate itching associated with shingles, it does not address the underlying viral infection or its complications. Always consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment options for shingles.
Can mometasone furoate be used on shingles?
Mometasone furoate is a topical corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation and itching, but it is not typically recommended for treating shingles (herpes zoster). Shingles is caused by a viral infection, and antiviral medications are usually the primary treatment. While a doctor may prescribe mometasone to alleviate certain symptoms associated with shingles, it should not be used as a primary treatment for the viral infection itself. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any medication for shingles.
What is shingles and what are the signs and symptoms?
When the virus that causes chickenpox reactivates, it causes shingles. Early symptoms of shingles include headache, sensitivity to light, and flu-like symptoms without a fever. You may then feel itching, tingling, or pain where a band, strip, or small area of rash may appear several days or weeks later. A rash can appear anywhere on the body but will be on only one side of the body, the left or right. The rash will first form blisters, then scab over, and finally clear up over a few weeks. This band of pain and rash is the clearest sign of shingles.
Can shingles cause stomach aches?
Yes shingles can cause stomach aches. The virus can also cause pain, rash, fever, headache, chills, and a deep burning feeling. If you experience these symptoms you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
What can causes cramps and flu like symptoms during dialysis treatment?
i really do not know
