What is Shingles?
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common viral infection of the nerves, which results in a painful rash of small blisters on an area of skin anywhere on the body. Even after the rash is gone, the pain can continue for months, even years.
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Herpes zoster is more common in persons with a depressed immune system, and in persons over the age of 50.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shingles affects an estimated 600,000 to one million people each year.
What are the Symptoms of Shingles?
The following are the most common symptoms of shingles. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
skin sensitivity and/or pain in the area of the skin before the rash appears
rash, which appears after five days and initially looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters (usually takes about two to three days)
blisters turn yellow and dry, often leaving small, pitted scars
Other early symptoms of shingles may include:
gastrointestinal upset
feeling ill
fever
headache
The symptoms of shingles may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is Shingles Diagnosed?
In addition to a complete physical examination and medical history, diagnostic tests for shingles may include the following:
skin scrapings - a procedure in which the skin is gently scraped to determine if the virus is shingles or another virus.
blood tests
Complications of Shingles:
Active shingles symptoms usually do not last longer than three to five weeks. However, complications do occasionally occur. The two major complications that can occur as a result of a case of shingles include the following:
postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is characterized by continuous, chronic pain that a person feels even after the skin lesions have healed. The pain may be severe in the area where the blisters were present, and the affected skin may be very sensitive to heat and cold.
Persons who are at increased risk for PHN include those who have severe pain during active shingles, those with sensory impairment, and elderly persons. Early treatment of shingles may prevent PHN. In addition, analgesics (pain relieving medications) and steroid treatment (to help reduce inflammation) may be used to treat the pain and inflammation.
bacterial infection
A second common and severe complication of shingles is a bacterial infection on the skin where the lesions are located. Infections can lead to further complications, such as superficial gangrene and scarring. When an infection occurs near or on the eyes, a secondary bacterial infection or corneal opacification (clouding of the cornea) may occur.
Treatment for Shingles:
Specific treatment for shingles will be determined by your physician based on:
your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the condition
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the condition
your opinion or preference
Shingles has to run its course, because there is no cure for the disease. Treatment usually focuses on pain relief. Treatment may include painkillers to help alleviate some of the pain, and antiviral drugs to help lessen some of the symptoms and minimize nerve damage. Other treatments may include:
bed rest, especially during the early phase of shingles, if fever is present
calamine lotion or similar medication (to treat itching)
cool compresses applied to affected skin areas
surgery to remove an affected nerve (in cases of severe pain that cannot be relieved with medication)
2006-07-29 01:03:47
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answer #1
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answered by oph_chad 5
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2016-05-02 02:40:13
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answer #2
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answered by Cary 3
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2016-09-01 07:15:17
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answer #3
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answered by ? 3
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I had Shingles for the first time a few weeks ago. I am normally in good health and haven't had any other health challenges before, so it came as a surprise.
Shingles is probably the most painful thing I have ever encountered. I went to the doctor, and he gave me some prescription drugs to take that was suposed to help, but didn't.
My wife found the Fast Shingles Cure ebook online and bought it for me, I am very lucky to have such a wonderful woman in my life. We followed the book, did what it said, and it delivered what it promised. Finally my Shingles rash is over... I feel truly blessed and thankful.
The #1 Shingles Treatment Method Available
2016-05-18 07:18:58
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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There may be some new treatments available by prescription that your doctor would know of.
Shingles is a form of the herpes virus (and chicken pox). So, you're contagious, and it's best for you to stay home until the blisters dry up.
In order to help you sleep, ask your doctor for a sleeper. If he won't give you one, you can take 50-100 mg. of Benadryl safely. Benadryl does give you a hang over (it's hard to stay awake), but if you're confined to home anyway, I don't see this as much of a problem.
Your doctor should be willing to give you something for the pain. If she/he refuses, drink beer. (Providing that you're not an alcoholic).)
As to whether it will come back, the answer is it might. Good luck!
Washing your clothng and bedding and then putting it all through the drier will kill the virus on fabric.
2006-07-29 01:09:46
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Shingles, or the varicella zoster viral strain, can recur throughout your life, especially now that you've had it before. It starts as the latent aftermath of the chicken pox virus and most commonly through stress, becomes active.
The pain...it can be terrible. Some physicians will outline a pain control regimen, including hydrocodone (Lortab) and/or other pain meds. Some will even refer you to an anesthesiologist to have the nerve blocked, in more severe cases.
Either way, time will heal, just follow directions of your attending physician and if the symptoms ever return, don't waste time getting back to your physician for those viral meds and pain meds.
Good luck, and hope you feel better soon!
2006-07-29 01:07:00
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answer #6
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answered by -superkid- 2
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This Site Might Help You.
RE:
I just had a shingles break out and am still in alot of pain,,?
whats the best thing to do and will they come back ?
2015-08-26 14:03:01
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answer #7
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answered by ? 1
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Shingles effect nerves so you get pain you are more likely to have break outs now that you have had one. Stay away from pregnant women and children because they can get chicken pox from you. Shingle break outs usually are triggered by stress or a compromised immune system. Doctor can give you prescriptions call and explain what you got going on. Go to doc web MD good advice.
2006-07-29 01:04:37
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Not sure what it could be but I had shingles and this doesn't sound like shingles at all. Shingles don't itch they are painful. They look more like small cold sores then pimples. They are from the same virus as chicken pox and cold sores.
2016-03-14 01:47:38
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answer #9
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answered by Patricia 4
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I got identified with genital herpes (type 2) about four yrs ago, whilst I was still attending college and had a stupid one-night stand. I understand loads of girls say this, but I swear I had never done that sort of thing before. I just made a mistake that one time and all of a sudden I felt like I was going to have to live with the consequences for my entire life. The hardest part was feeling I could never date guys again. After all, who wants to go out with someone that has sores round her "you know what" area? But since a friend shared this video https://tr.im/hdkbq everything improved.
Not only was I able to eliminate all traces of the herpes virus from my body in less than three weeks, but I was also able to begin dating again. I even met the guy of my dreams and I'm so blessed to write that just last week, in front of everyone in a crowded restaurant, he got down on one knee and proposed to me! This system gave me back the chance to be happy and experience real love again. Now I hope that I can help others too by sharing this story.
2015-10-17 23:26:21
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answer #10
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answered by Collen 1
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