Shingles

Herpes Zoster, this is the reactivation of Chicken-pox in adulthood, commonly in adults over 50years. Unlike the rash from chicken-pox that covers most of the skin, the rash from shingles only covers a small portion of the skin, normally the trunk, buttocks neck or scalp. The shingles disease is one that causes an intense, painful rash that can be found on various parts of the body. Those that experience this disease often will need to seek out medical attention because the rash can be very painful and often causes a number of other health risks over time.

Symptoms of Shingles

• Fever
• Generalized discomfort (namely chills)
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Itching/burning at the site of the rash

Causes of Shingles

Shingles is caused by the virus that causes chicken pox in the childhood/adolescent years. As the patient recovers from chicken pox, the virus stays in the body in a dormant state and as such shows no sign or symptom. At a later stage in life the virus that is dormant is re-awakened and is then termed Shingles. It is believed that shingled affect persons over 50 as the immune system is wavering, and the same is said for person living with HIV/AIDS. Also when the body is under stress, it is more prone to an outbreak of shingles as again the immune system is not at its peak.

Treatment of Shingles

The first in the line of treatment for shingles is Antivirals, Antiviral is used to treat the attack of shingles on the body, the most common antiviral that is used is Acylovir , this is taken orally and is known to reduce inflammation during an acute attack
There is also the use of wet dressings so as to bring relief to the point of the acute attack; that is to say that sooth the skin to prevent clothes from rubbing against these skin lesions Treatment with Famciclovir is known to significantly reduce pain and to kick-start the recovery process.

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Shingles

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