Shingles is a virus that affects adults, primarily over the age of 50, according to FamilyDoctor.org. The varicella-zoster virus causes two different diseases, which are chickenpox and shingles. Vitamin D has nothing to do with contracting or treating either of the diseases. If you believe you are suffering from an outbreak of the varicella-zoster virus, seek medical attention from your health care provider.
Vitamin D Deficiency
A vitamin D deficiency can cause quite a few different conditions such as rickets, osteoporosis and osteomalacia. All of these conditions affect your bones; ostomalacia affects your muscles in addition to your bones. Vitamin D helps keep your bones and teeth strong. Without vitamin D, your bones can become weak and brittle, making you more susceptible to bone breaks and fractures. You can get vitamin D by eating dairy products such as ice cream, milk and cheese or your body can make vitamin D from sunlight exposure.
Cause of Shingles
You can contract the varicella-zoster virus, or VZV, when a person who is infected with the virus coughs, sneezes or breathes on you. The virus causes chickenpox during adolescence and as a young adult. Once you've contracted the virus, you will always have it; it just lies dormant in your system. If your immune system becomes compromised, the virus can be reactivated and cause shingles. If you've never had the virus or have not been vaccinated for it, and contract it as an older adult, it can cause even more complications.
Treatment
Shingles is very painful. The virus is contagious two days prior to an outbreak and remains contagious until the blisters have crusted over. Vaccinations are available to decrease the risk of developing shingles. Candidates for the shingles vaccine should be at least 60 years of age; ask your doctor what's right for you. If it's too late and you have already developed shingles, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antiviral medication to help lessen the severity of the symptoms; he may possibly prescribe a steroid to decrease inflammation, states FamilyDoctor.org. Your health care provider may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease the discomfort associated with shingles and an anti-itch medication to decrease itching. If you're in severe pain and over-the-counter pain relievers seem to have little or no effect, your physician may prescribe a stronger one.
Considerations
If you are pregnant or nursing and have never contracted VZV, avoid those who are actively contagious with VZV. If you are contagious, stay away from those who have never had the virus and avoid contact with pregnant women and babies younger than 12 months of age.
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