Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster is a viral infection that afflicts over a million people every year in the United States. The common symptoms of Shingles include a red rash that eventually turns to painful blisters that leak a clear fluid.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. However, the difference is that this virus remains dormant in the body for many years until something weakens the immune system. Once the immune system is compromised, the virus becomes reactivated.
How is the immune system compromised?
Sources such as prolonged exposure to stress, HIV/AIDS, anti-rejection medications for organ transplant recipients and anyone receiving chemotherapy treatments are all things that weaken or compromise the immune system. This weakness then allows the virus to come alive and wreak havoc on the body. This virus will begin as a tingling and burning on the skin that appears to come out of nowhere without warning. The difference between shingles and chickenpox is that shingles will travel along the nerve route or dermatome and appear on only side of the body.
Time is a factor with the Herpes Zoster virus. In order for medications to work, they must be implemented within 72 hours of the initial outbreak. Unfortunately, this debilitating pain and discomfort can last up to six months and in some cases can become chronic, lasting for several years.
Dealing with the pain:
Discomfort due to herpes zoster can be debilitating, requiring pain medication and antivirals to manage the symptoms. In order for antivirals to have an effect, the drug should be taken within 72 hours of onset of the rash.
Medication Management:
Corticosteroids for pain: Prednisone taken together with acyclovir can reduce the pain of shingles by reducing the nerve inflammation caused by active infection. It has also been shown to decrease residual nerve damage.
Analgesics: Pain can range from mild to severe and relief may be obtained from over-the-counter analgesics when pain is mild to moderate, while narcotics may be needed for more severe pain symptoms.
Lotions such as calamine are effective when applied to the seeping blisters to combat pain, and capsaicin cream when the blisters have crusted over. Topical pain patches of lidocaine (Xylocaine) and nerve blocks have also been beneficial in easing the pain related to zoster outbreaks.
Herpes Zoster Keratitis, also known as Eye Shingles is a severe complication of the shingles infection. It is generally treated with antivirals and can unfortunately cause temporary or permanent blindness. This condition requires the immediate assistance of a medical professional.
Another complication of zoster is Postherpetic Neuralgia, a painful condition known to occur after the blisters have healed. This pain is extreme nerve pain and can exist for up to and more than six months. Medications that are helpful for this condition include topical skin applications, analgesics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants.
HZV or Herpes Zoster Virus is most commonly found in those age sixty or older, although many children and young adults contract the illness as well. It is important to note that anyone who has previously had the chickenpox is highly vulnerable to contracting the shingles infection. If you have never had chickenpox and have not yet received the vaccination, it is highly imperative that you avoid anyone displaying active symptoms of the shingles infection. Otherwise, you could find yourself experiencing chickenpox for the very first time.
- Other Blogs You Might Enjoy
- Super Bowl ad: Diet Pepsi Max commercial What is Love?
Super Bowl ad XLII Commercial - Diet Pepsi Max...
- Gardening Magazine
Even the most seasoned gardeners will have a question about their garden once in a while, and you can bet that beginners will be full of...
- Hi-Tec Men's Cape Trail II WP Boot
A full featured hiking boot that offers great lightweight waterproof protection, the Hi-Tec Cape Trail II Waterproof Hiking Boot for Men...
- The 1990 “yacht tax” caused a large deadweight loss,...
The 1990 “yacht tax” caused a large deadweight loss, because demand for luxury yachts made in the United States is _______....
- Yonge/Mount Pleasant (Uptown East) – Uptown’s shopping...
Revered as an ideal place for a niche shopper to spend a day, Mount Pleasant offers a great neighbourhood appeal. With a variety of home...