LIFESTYLE NEWS - Shingles is an infection caused by the virus va-ricella-zoster, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Even after chickenpox is treated, the virus may live on in your nerve tissues for years before reactivating as shingles. Shingles may also be referred to as herpes zoster.
Risk factors include:
- Being 60 or older
- Having had chickenpox before the age of one
- Having diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/Aids or cancer
- Having had chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- Taking drugs that weaken the immune system, such as steroids or medications given after an organ transplant
- The first symptoms of shingles are usually pain and burning of the skin segment involved. The pain is usually on one side of the body and occurs in small patches. A red rash typically follows.
- Rash characteristics include:
- Red patches
- Fluid-filled blisters that break easily
- A rash that wraps around from the spine to the torso (band of blisters) or on the face and neck
- Some individuals experience symptoms beyond pain and a rash with shingles. These symptoms may include:
- Fever Chills Headache
- Fatigue or muscle weakness
Most cases of shingles can be diagnosed with a physical examination of rashes and blisters.
There is no cure for shingles, but medication may be prescribed to ease symptoms and shorten the length of the infection.
Medications prescribed for shingles may include:
- Antiviral medications, including acyclovir, valcyclovir and famciclovir (to reduce pain and speed recovery)
- Anti-inflammation drugs (to ease pain and swelling)
- Narcotic medications or analgesics (to reduce pain)
- Anticonvulsants or tricyclic antidepressants (to treat prolonged pain)
- Antihistamines, such as Benadryl (to treat itching)
- Numbing creams, gels, or patches, such as lidocaine (to reduce pain)
- Home treatment can also help ease symptoms. Home treatments may include:
- Rest
- Applying cold wet compresses to the rash to reduce pain
- Applying calamine lotion to reduce itching
- Taking colloidal oatmeal baths to ease pain and itching
Vaccines can help keep you from developing severe shingles symptoms or complications from shingles.
Adults who are age 60 or older should get a shingles vaccine, also known as the varicella-zoster immunisation. This vaccine helps to prevent severe symptoms and complications associated with shingles.
Shingles is contagious. If you become infected, certain steps must be taken to prevent spread of the infection.
This article is for informative purposes only. Please be advised to see your doctor if you have any queries or e-mail questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
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