What are Shingles?
Both chickenpox and Shingles are caused by the same virus; the VZV virus or varicella zoster virus. These diseases are characterized by the onset of what first looks like pimples surrounded by a red rash. These pimples then explode into seeping, fluid filled painful blisters. Shingles has been described as having an angrier version of the chickenpox.
It usually runs its course in approximately two weeks, during which the blister builds a crust then heals, sometimes leaving a scar. After the blister is crusted over, it is no longer contagious. However, a person who has never had chickenpox and is exposed to an active shingles infection runs the risk of getting chickenpox.
The VZV virus exists in a latent stage for years after a chickenpox event. Certain conditions and medications can reactivate the virus to return as shingles. It is a painful disease that often calls for medical attention to manage the pain and other symptoms. There are approximately one million cases of herpes zoster in the US per year.
African Americans have been shown to have a lower incidence of shingles than Caucasians, however the reason for this is not yet known.
Initially, the pain is the first inclination of a shingles attack due to damage to the nerve, and occurs in the area where the virus has been hibernating, but the rash may not yet have come to the skin’s surface. Other symptoms may include those resembling the flu, such as fever, chills, and headache.
The severity of the pain can run mild to unbearable and is followed by a rash that is slower to progress than chickenpox. The most common areas of the body for this disease include the abdomen and chest and are usually only on one side. The rash will typically follow a pattern of the affected nerve or dermatomal pattern.
There is a common complication of shingles or herpes zoster called PHN or postherpetic neuralgia, which is extremely painful and can last for many years. In addition, bacterial infections are common among those afflicted with shingles. That is why it is imperative that the blisters be kept clean.
Shingles is commonly thought of as a disease of the elderly as our immune systems falter as we grow older. However, those with HIV/AIDS, cancer and organ transplants also have a diminished immune system which makes them vulnerable as well. Furthermore, anyone having had the chickenpox is at risk for this zoster infection any time later in life; including children.
Shingles is diagnosed by laboratory blood tests, as well as making note of its characteristics, such as appearing on only one side of the body.
The treatments for shingles include antidepression medications, steroids, antiviral medication, antiepileptic medications, analgesics as well as creams and lotions to soothe skin and the painful blisters.
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