Shingles is a condition that is caused from a virus that mainly affects people over 50 years of age. Although this condition is not life-threatening, it can cause quite a bit of discomfort when it appears. Shingles is similar to the common childhood disease of chickenpox.
Features
Although shingles can take place all over the body, the area from the breastbone to the middle of the back on one side of the body is the most common area for them to appear. They develop as a result of the varicella-zoster virus being reactivated after years of dormancy.
Symptoms
Pain is one of the main symptoms that appear with shingles. Red, fluid-filled blisters can appear, break open and become crusted over. These blisters can be accompanied with a tingling, burning sensation, numbness and itching. In some cases, the rest of the body can suffer symptoms like fever, chills, aches and fatigue.
Identification
In certain instances, people can develop pain from shingles without a rash developing. This pain can be intense, and it is often misconstrued as a symptom indicating a problem with another part of the body like the kidneys or heart.
Complications
Postherpetic neuralgia is a condition where pain continues after the blisters have been cleared from the skin. Ophthalmic shingles is a complication that takes place in the eyes where vision can be lost from painful infections. Because the nerves also get affected with shingles, facial paralysis, hearing problems and an inflammation of the brain can occur.
Treatment
Shingles has to run its course through the body and it generally clears up on its own. But getting treatment can reduce your risks for complications, and it can also keep the symptoms minimized. Antiviral drugs like acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir can be used to help speed up the healing process. Medications like narcotics, anticonvulsants, lidocaine and tricyclic antidepressants can all be used to reduce pain that you experience. Home remedies can also be used, like wet compresses on your blisters and relaxation techniques like tai chi and listening to soft music to keep your stress levels under control.
Prevention/Solution
Two vaccines can be used as a preventive measure to avoid shingles. The varicella vaccine is used in children to prevent chickenpox, and it can also be given to adults who have never had them. Another vaccine, the varicella-zoster vaccine, can help reduce the chances of getting shingles in adults who have never had chickenpox and are 60 years old or above.
