Imagine yourself as a 6-year-old child with the chicken pox. Red, bumpy, itchy hives appear all over your body. Scratching your skin is worthless. You wonder whether this torture will eventually end. When it does, you are safe for a while, but as an adult, you develop the shingles. Red rashes and sore blisters appear as a striped pattern across your stomach. Both the chicken pox and shingles are caused by the same culprit: Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV).
Step 1
Research the shingles. With the Internet, a wealth of information is at your disposal. Be careful and read only reliable sources such as medical journals and medical organization websites. Search current news about shingles. There may be new theories developing or new medications in clinical trial stages. Take notes and be informed. Become an active learner, and you will understand shingles.
Step 2
After researching the shingles, talk to your doctor. Medical professionals are also great resources. Most doctors will be happy to help.
Step 3
After talking with your doctor, join a shingles support group. Form ties with people who suffer with shingles regardless of whether you suffer from it or not. This is a great and opportunistic way to see how the condition affects lives. Get firsthand anecdotes. Support groups are available online and also in your community. Search the Internet, and you will find a group that suits you.
