Shingles

Shingles, also known by the names Herpes Zoster and Zona is a painful condition caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus also known as the Herpes Zoster virus. If a person is infected with the virus for the first time an outbreak of Chicken Pox is the likely outcome. The virus then lies dormant in the nervous system of the patient and may be reactivated several years later. This reactivation does not cause Chicken Pox, instead it results in Herpes Zoster (Shingles). Shingles manifests itself in a band of skin just above the nerves where the virus has been reactivated. It generally affects only one side of the body and is particularly common on the face or trunk. The first symptoms are usually pain, tingling or a burning sensation in the affected area. A few days later a rash appears with fluid filled sacs similar to Chicken Pox blisters. However, in a minority of cases pain may be the only symptom and a rash may never appear. Over a period of two to three weeks the blisters dry and scabs form. The patient may experience fever and a feeling of being generally unwell, similar to influenza. Pain is the most notable symptom of Shingles. You cannot catch Shingles from another person and a Shingles patient is not highly contagious. However, close skin to skin contact with a Shingles patient can result in Chicken pox in a person who has had no previous exposure to the virus. Shingles usually occurs in people over the age of 50 or in those whose immune systems have been compromised by other medical problems or medications such a chemotherapy. Stress, fatigue, radiation therapy etc can therefore increase susceptibility to Shingles. However, Shingles can also occur in younger and healthier people but with less frequency. The reasons for reactivation of the virus are currently unknown. Hence, it is difficult to prevent occurrence of Shingles. The only known determinant of an attack is a prior infection with the virus. In a healthy individual Shingles will usually subside even without treatment. However, early treatment with antiviral drugs, especially within one to three days of the appearance of the rash can significantly reduce the duration and severity of the attack. Some complications are possible especially in the case of the elderly or persons with multiple medical problems. Shingles around the eyes or nose could be dangerous as the virus may affect the eye causing a condition called Herpes Zoster Opthlamicus which can result in loss of vision or damage to the structures of the eye. The virus may also affect the ear resulting in impaired hearing (usually temporary) or affect nerves in the face causing temporary paralysis of the facial muscles. In up to 15% of cases the pain may not subside even after the rash disappears and this condition called Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) could last for months or even years. The pain associated with Shingles or PHN could be so severe that pain medication may need to be prescribed. A further complication that could arise is skin infection or secondary infection of internal organs especially if blisters are scratched. Scratching also increases the likelihood of scarring. Shingles is a painful condition but one that usually should not cause lasting damage to a person's health so it is important to ensure that complications do not arise. I remember when i had prostate cancer and the ratiation. The first symptoms are usually pain, tingling or a burning sensation in the affected area. A few days later a rash appears with fluid filled sacs similar to Chicken Pox blisters.