Shingles
Also known as: Herpes Zoster
What is it?
It is an
infection of the skin that causes painful,
fluid-filled blisters.
Who gets it?
Shingles can occur in anyone who has had
chickenpox. While it can occur at any age, it is
more common in people over the age of 50.
What causes it?
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster
virus, which also causes chickenpox. If you have
had chickenpox, the varicella virus remains in a
group of nerves in your central nervous system,
but doesn't cause any symptoms. This is called a
dormant virus. The central nervous system consists
of the brain and spinal cord, which are connected
to the nerves in the body. When the virus becomes
active again, it causes the symptoms of shingles.
No one is sure why the virus becomes active.
However, it seems to be linked to a weakened
immune system, such as in people who are ill (such
as with cancer or HIV), have had major surgery, or
are taking immunosuppressant medications or drugs
with cortisone.
It can also be triggered by skin trauma, such
as sunburn or injury, and emotional stress.
Although shingles is not contagious, someone who
hasn't had chickenpox can develop chickenpox if
they have contact with fluid from a shingles
blister.
What are the symptoms?
Shingles often begins with a general feeling of
sickness, including chills, fever, headache,
fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Some people feel
only a tingling, painful, or itching sensation in
one area of the skin, often on one side of the
face, back, or upper abdomen. These are the areas
most commonly affected by chickenpox. Then, a
cluster of small, fluid-filled blisters erupts in
an area of reddened skin. Shingles comes from the
Latin word for belt. That's because the blisters
follow a nerve path and usually appear in a line,
most often on just one side of the back and
spreading toward the abdomen. This area may be
extremely sensitive to touch. After several days,
the blisters begin to dry and scab. Some people
develop the rash on one side of the face, which
can also cause eye inflammation. All symptoms of
shingles are usually gone within three to five
weeks. However, some people may have suffer nerve
damage that causes pain to continue for months to
years after the rash is gone. This condition is
called post-herpetic neuralgia. Most people get
shingles only once in their lifetime.
How is it diagnosed?
Shingles is diagnosed based upon the pattern of
pain and the appearance of the blisters. To
confirm the diagnosis, there are laboratory tests
that can be performed to test the blister fluid
for the herpes zoster virus.
What is the treatment?
In most people, shingles goes away on its own
after it has run its course, and requires no
treatment. However, your doctor may prescribe
antiviral drugs to shorten the length of the
infection, especially if you have a weakened
immune system. Antiviral drugs are also used to
prevent post-herpetic neuralgia, especially in
people older than 50. Most people will find pain
relief with acetaminophen or other
over-the-counter pain medicines, as well as cool
compresses on the affected area. More severe pain
may be relieved by prescription pain medications.
It's important to keep your skin clean so you
don't develop any other types of infections in the
blistered area. Your doctor might also prescribe
some type of antibacterial ointment to help
prevent infection. Severe infections, such as
those involving the eyes, may be treated with
corticosteroids drugs as well as antiviral
therapy. Post-herpetic neuralgia is treated with
tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants that
are taken at night. During an outbreak of
shingles, as with any illness, it's important to
get plenty of rest, follow a health diet, and
reduce stress levels. Some people believe it's
beneficial to boost the immune system with
additional supplements of vitamins B12 and B
complex, and C, as well as calcium. It's important
to follow your doctor's recommendations for safe
levels of vitamin supplements.
Self-care tips
If you have had chickenpox, there is no way to
predict if the dormant varicella virus will
eventually cause shingles. You can, however,
strengthen your immune system by following a
healthy lifestyle, including getting sufficient
rest, participating in a moderate exercise
program, eating a healthy diet, and reducing your
stress levels. If you have shingles, you should
avoid contact with those who could contract
chickenpox, especially newborns, the elderly,
people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant
women. Contact your doctor if the blisters are
extremely close to your eyes, causing painful eye
inflammation, or trouble seeing; if your symptoms
become worse; or if the blisters appear to be
infected.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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