Shingles
Overview
Shingles is a contagious viral illness that produces a painful rash on the skin. It is spread via contact with other people. Despite the fact that shingles may manifest itself anywhere on the body, it most often manifests itself as a singular streak of lesions that wraps around the chest. This is also known as herpes zoster. A painful and blistering red rash is present when this kind of viral infection first shows itself on the skin, and it may last for many days. Blisters are more frequently seen on one side of the body, with the chest, neck, and face being the most common locations. Shingles are often distinguished by a stripe of blisters running down one side of the body on the affected side.
It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus that is also responsible for epidemics of chickenpox. The virus that causes chickenpox stays dormant in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain for many weeks after the individual experiences the disease. Viruses may return in the form of shingles even years after the original infection has occurred.
The vast majority of shingles cases resolve within two to three weeks after being diagnosed.
Despite the fact that it is not a life-threatening disease, the symptoms may be uncomfortable. You may be less likely to develop shingles if you receive certain vaccinations. Early shingles treatment may be beneficial in shortening the duration of the illness and reducing the risk of complications. It is postherpetic neuralgia that is the most often seen consequence of shingles, which causes pain for a long period of time after the blisters have healed.
Causes
The shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles may occur in individuals who have had chickenpox or shingles in the past. After you have recovered from chickenpox, the virus enters your nervous system and remains latent for many months or even years after you have recovered from it.
Reactivation and propagation via neural pathways to the skin are also conceivable, leading in the development of shingles in certain cases. It should be noted that not everyone who has chickenpox would get shingles because of the infection.
It is unknown what caused the shingles to reappear. However, it is possible that this is related to a decreased immunity to illnesses as you get older. It is more likely to develop shingles for elderly individuals and those with weaker immune systems. Varicella-zoster is a virus that is a part of the larger group of herpes viruses, similarly to cold sores and herpes genitalis.As a result, shingles is also referred to as herpes zoster. While the viruses that cause chickenpox and shingles are closely related, they are not the same viruses that cause cold sores or genital herpes, which is an STD that affects both men and women.
Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past is at risk for getting shingles in the future. The majority of individuals in the US experienced chickenpox as children, prior to the widespread adoption of the current chickenpox vaccine.
Several factors may increase your chances of getting shingles:
Age: Those over the age of 50 are at the highest risk of developing shingles. As people become older, their chances of contracting this illness rise.
Other diseases: Immunosuppressive illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, may make you more susceptible to shingles.
Cancer treatment: Radiation or chemotherapy may impair your immune system’s ability to fight infection, which can lead to the onset of shingles.
Medicines: Anti-rejection drugs, as well as long-term usage of steroids may make you more susceptible to shingles.
Symptoms
When you have shingles, the signs and symptoms typically only impact a limited area on the side of your body that has been affected. The following are the most common shingles symptoms:
- Pain, burning, numbness, or tingling of the affected area
- Sensitivity to physical contact
- A red rash that appears a few days after the discomfort
- Blisters that are fluid-filled and burst apart before crusting over
- Itching
Some individuals may also develop the following symptoms:
The most frequent sign of shingles is excruciating pain. It may be an intense experience for some individuals.
Shingles may cause long-term complications such as:
- Inflammation of the brain or facial paralysis due to nerve damage
- Any rash in or around the eye may cause vision loss
- Postherpetic neuralgia
Diagnosis
The majority of cases of shingles may be identified visually, by looking at the rashes and blisters that appear on the skin. In addition, your doctor will inquire about your medical history, which you should be prepared to answer truthfully.
If your doctor suspects you have a particular disease, he or she may request a sample of your skin or blister fluid for shingles diagnosis. This is very uncommon. Obtaining a sample of tissue or fluid requires the use of a sterile swab. It is then decided whether or not the samples should be submitted to a medical laboratory for virus testing.
Treatment
Although there is currently no cure for the condition, early shingle treatment with prescription antiviral medications may help to accelerate recovery and decrease the risk of complications from the condition.They are most effective if taken within 3 days after the onset of a rash, so it is crucial to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms.
Pain medication over-the-counter or prescription grade may be used to alleviate the discomfort produced by shingles. Irritation may be relieved by using wet compresses, colloidal oatmeal baths and calamine lotion.
For mild discomfort and irritation, anti-inflammatory medications are used to relieve pain and swelling. Antihistamines are used to relieve itching. Numbing creams or patches are used to relieve discomfort.
When To See A Doctor
If you suspect shingles, call your doctor as soon as possible. Particularly if you are experiencing discomfort and shingle rash that appears around the eyes then consult your physician. If left untreated, this infection has the potential to cause irreversible vision loss.A shingles vaccination may be of assistance in preventing shingles.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about shingles or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.
