Shingles [Herpes zoster]
Introduction :Shingles is an infection of a nerve area caused by the Varicella-zoster virus. It causes pain and a rash along a band of skin supplied by the affected nerve .symptoms usually go within 2-4 weeks. Pain sometimes persists after the rash has gone, more commonly in people over the age of 50. Other complications are uncommon. Antiviral medication may be prescribed to limit the severity of the condition.
WHAT IS SHINGLES?
Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin supplied by the nerve. It is caused by a virus called the Varicella-zoster virus. It is the same that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past may develop shingles. Shingles is sometimes called Herpes zoster.
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS:
Groups at an increased risk of developing shingles
include people whose immune systems have been impaired due to ill health, medications or diseases that lower the immunity. The initial tingling, sharp, burning pain under the skin can occur anywhere on the body but usually affects the
face, upper abdomen or back and almost always occurs on one side of the body only. The pain be mild or it can be quite severe.
It can be accompanied by other symptoms including:
A feeling of being generally unwell. Mild chills and fever. Headache. An upset stomach. Enlarged lymph nodes.
After 1-3 days a red rash appears over the painful area of skin followed quickly by the development of small fluid filled blisters.
The rash can be quite itchy. Within a few days of appearing the blisters dry and crest over. The pain and other symptoms of shingles gradually resolve as the skin rash and blisters disappear. Full recovery from the condition usually occurs within 2-3 weeks or up to 4 weeks in older adults.
CAUSES:The reason why the chickenpox virus reactiveness as shingles is not fully understand. It is thought that the following factors influence the development of shingles. Emotional stress. Lowered immunity e.g. due to immune-suppressant meditations or chemotherapy. A recent illness or major surgery.
Age However, in most people there is no identifiable cause for shingles occurring.
DIAGNOSIS:A doctor is usually able to make a diagnosis of shingles based on its characteristics symptoms. A full medical history will be taken and the doctor may take a sample of the fluid within the blister so that it can be used in a laboratory for presence of shingles virus.
TREATMENT:A shingles is caused by a virus and cannot be cured with antibiotics, treatment focuses on recovery symptoms. Getting adequate rest in an important factor in the treatment of shingles.
Pain relief meditations such a paracetamol. Cool compresses applied to the affected area. Lotions and creams may be prescribed for the rash. Antiviral meditations such an acyclovir may be prescribed.
These do not destroy the viruses but can help to reduce the duration of the symptoms. Steroids may be prescribed if the rash and pain is severe. Antibiotics may be required if the skin rash became infected. Acupuncture can also be effective in relieving symptoms in some cases.
If the shingles rash has affected the eyes, the treatment by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) may be required to prevent damage to the cornea (the transparent part of eye ball which con