Experiencing the symptoms of shingles? Shingles are a viral infection that affects the nerves. If you have had chickenpox in the past, you are at risk of developing shingles. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of shingles and how to treat them.
What Are Shingles?
Shingles, also widely recognized as the herpes zoster virus, is a rash-causing viral infection. The rash can appear anywhere on the body, but the chest and back are the most common locations.
Symptoms Of Shingles
Shingle is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox, causes it. Shingles usually affect people who are over the age of 50. However, it can occur at any age.
The early symptoms of shingles can be quite painful and include a burning or tingling sensation, followed by a red rash that can appear a few days later. The rash shows more severe signs on one side of your body and typically lasts for two to four weeks.
Symptoms of shingles include:
- Painful rash
- Burning, pain, tingling, or numbness
- Fever
- Sensitivity to touch
- Chills
- Fluid-filled blisters that split open and crust over
- Itching
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Shingles can be treated with antiviral medications. However, there is no cure for the virus.
Treatment For Shingles
There are two main types of treatment for shingles: antiviral medications and pain relief.
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications can help shorten the duration of the illness and may help relieve some symptoms.
Your doctor can diagnose shingles and likely prescribe an antiviral medication if you have shingles. These medications can include famciclovir (Famvir), acyclovir (Zovirax), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These medications can help shorten the duration of the illness and may also help relieve some symptoms.
Pain Relief
Pain relief is also an important part of treatment for shingles. They can also help ease the discomfort associated with shingles.
There are several pain relievers that can be effective, including medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Your doctor may also prescribe a stronger pain reliever if necessary.
In addition to medications, several home remedies can help relieve the discomfort associated with shingles. These home remedies include:
- Cool compresses
- Topical creams
- Ointments
- Rest
Cool compresses can help soothe the pain and itching associated with shingles. Topical creams and ointments can also help relieve some symptoms. And finally, rest is important to help your body heal.
Most people recover completely from shingles in a few weeks or months if they receive appropriate treatment. Some people, however, may have long-term consequences, such as postherpetic neuralgia, which is chronic pain that can last for months or even years after the rash has faded.
If left untreated, shingles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis.
Complications
Shingles can cause a variety of complications, including:
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Shingles pain can last for weeks or months after the blisters have healed. Postherpetic neuralgia is a condition that occurs when damaged nerve fibers send jumbled and exaggerated pain signals from your skin to your brain.
There Could Be A Loss Of Vision
Ophthalmic shingles (shingles around or in the eye) can cause severe eye infections and vision loss.
Problems With The Nervous System
Shingles can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis), facial paralysis, or hearing or balance problems, depending on which nerves are affected.
Infections of the skin can develop if shingles and blisters aren’t treated properly.
Are Shingles Contagious?
Yes, shingles is a contagious disease. It can be spread to others through direct contact with the rash or by sharing items that have come into contact with the rash. If you have shingles, it is important to avoid contact with babies, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system. These groups are at risk of developing serious complications from the disease.
Prevention Of Shingles
There are two ways to prevent shingles: vaccination and early treatment. The best way to prevent shingles is to get the vaccine. The shingles vaccine is available as a stand-alone shot or as part of the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. The Tdap vaccine also protects against pertussis (whooping cough).
The shingles vaccine is recommended for people aged 60 and older. The Tdap vaccine is recommended for adults aged 19 years and older, pregnant women, and people who have close contact with infants younger than 12 months.
If you are over the age of 60, you should get the shingles vaccine even if you have already had shingles. The vaccine can still help prevent future episodes of shingles.
Conclusion
If you encounter any of the shingles symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment as soon as possible can assist to lessen the severity of the ailment and prevent consequences.