What is shingles: Causes and treatment

 

Shingles Treatment

What exactly is shingles?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. Even after you've recovered from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in your nervous system for years before reactivating as shingles. Shingles is also known as herpes zoster. This virus infection is distinguished by a red skin rash that can cause pain and burning. Shingles typically manifests as a line of blisters on one side of the body, most commonly the torso, neck, or face.

The majority of shingles cases resolve within 3 to 5 weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source, one in every three Americans will experience shingles at some point in their lives. The condition can occur more than once in the same person, especially if they have risk factors, but this is uncommon.

Shingles Symptoms

According to the CDCTrusted Source, the first symptoms of shingles are usually pain and burning. The pain is usually on one side of your body and along a stretch of skin known as a dermatome. A red rash is frequently the result. The rash, however, does not always appear red. The rash can appear dark pink, dark brown, or purplish depending on your skin tone.

A shingles rash is distinguished by the appearance of a rash on one side of the body, such as the chest, abdomen, back, or face. you have a rash on your face and ears, Itching, fluid-filled blisters that easily rupture, and a burning sensation. Some people with shingles have symptoms other than pain and a rash. These symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle weakness, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Shingles Causes

The varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, causes shingles. If you've already had chickenpox, this virus can reactivate in your body and cause shingles. It is unknown why some people develop shingles while others do not. It is more common in older adults due to decreased immunity to infections. A weakened immune system, emotional stress, aging, cancer treatments, or major surgery are all potential risk factors for shingles.

Shingles Diagnosis

Typically, shingles is diagnosed by examining your rashes and blisters. They will also inquire about your medical history. In rare cases, your doctor may require a sample of your skin or the fluid from your blisters to be tested. This entails taking a sample of tissue or fluid with a sterile swab. The samples are then sent to a medical laboratory for confirmation of the virus's presence.

Shingles Treatment

There is no cure for shingles, but treating it as soon as possible can help you avoid complications and recover faster. Treatment should ideally begin within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. Your doctor may recommend medication to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection. To know more about treatment you can visit Lawton pharmacy.