Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It manifests as a painful rash that can appear anywhere on the body. Typically, shingles presents as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around one side of the torso, face, or neck.
Symptoms of shingles include:
- Raised dots and redness on the skin in the affected area.
- Stabbing or shooting pain.
- Tingling or itching in or under the skin.
- Fluid-filled blisters that break open and form crusts.
Additional symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, chills, and muscle weakness.
After a person recovers from a chickenpox infection, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues near the spinal cord and brain. Later in life, the virus can reactivate and travel along nerve fibers to the skin, resulting in shingles.
Factors that increase the risk of developing shingles include being 50 years or older, having a serious physical injury, experiencing high levels of stress, having conditions that weaken the immune system (such as HIV or cancer), and taking immune-suppressing medications.
Shingles can be contagious to individuals who have never had chickenpox or received the vaccine. Contagion is possible until all the sores have crusted over. It is important to avoid contact with newborns, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women who may not have had chickenpox or the vaccine.
Treatment options for shingles include:
- FDA-approved vaccines, such as Shingrix and Zostavax, which are recommended for individuals aged 50 and over.
- Antiviral drugs (best when taken within three days of rash onset), including Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Application of cool compresses.
- Use of medicated lotions.
- Colloidal oatmeal baths.
- Prescription painkillers like codeine.
While the shingles vaccine does not guarantee immunity, it can reduce the duration and severity of the disease. Although there is no cure for shingles, prompt treatment can help prevent complications and expedite recovery. Ideally, medical attention should be sought within 72 hours of symptom onset.