Madeeha Syed

Shingles, or herpes zoster, occur as a result of the varicella-zoster virus and cause a painful rash, cured by antivirals. Read more about shingles treatment by dermatologists at Meri Sehat.

What is shingle?

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What Are Shingles?

Overview

Shingle is a painful and itchy rash caused due to a viral infection. It can last anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. The rash can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common site is the right or left side of the torso. If you belong to 99.5% of the people who are older than 50 years and have had chicken pox already, your chances of having shingles is increased. This is because the shingles virus is already present in the body and the <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/article/how-an-over-prescription-of-antibiotics-affects-your-immune-system">immune system</a> weakens with age which eventually puts people at a higher risk of catching the virus.

In a lifetime, about 1 in 3 people can get shingles. 
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Understanding of Shingles

The shingle virus is not contagious. A person can only pass it on when the virus is active. People who haven&rsquo;t had chickenpox or vaccination can catch the virus. 
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A shingle rash is identifiable by the looks and feels of it. It usually appears on either side of the body. Signs may include:&nbsp; 
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<ul>
	<li>Itching&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Burning</li>
	<li>Tingling sensation in the area where the rash will develop</li>
	<li>Sensitive to touch</li>
	<li>Painful blisters 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Some people may also experience:

<ul>
	<li>Fatigue</li>
	<li>Headache</li>
	<li>Fever</li>
	<li>Light sensitivity</li>
</ul>

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The blistering rash starts as a single stripe along the nerve pathway on either side of your torso. In rare cases, a rash may occur around the corner of an eye or side of a neck. 
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People who have had chicken pox in the past can develop shingles. This is because once the chicken pox virus enters the cell near the spine, it stays inactive. When the virus becomes active, people can get shingles. There is no known trigger or a definitive cause. You are more likely to develop shingles if you: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>are older than 60 years</li>
	<li>are emotionally and physically stressed</li>
	<li>have done through organ transplant recently</li>
	<li>are under-going chemotherapy treatments 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

You may visit your health care provider. The doctor will take a look at your signs and symptoms. They may as well take a fluid sample from the blisters to confirm it is shingles. 
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You are advised to see your doctor as soon as your symptoms start to appear. Visit a doctor if you have the following symptoms: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Memory loss</li>
	<li>Headache</li>
	<li>Confusion</li>
	<li>High fever (38&deg;C/100.4F or higher)</li>
</ul>

It is advisable to see your doctor if you are pregnant, lactating female, or suffer from any condition that weakens your immune system. 
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There is no cure for shingles. You may start anti-viral medications as soon as your symptoms appear. You will also be given a topical cream to apply to reduce the rash.&nbsp;

See your doctor before starting any medications, you can also manage your condition by doing the following: 
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<ul>
	<li>Keep the rash clean and free from moisture</li>
	<li>Cover the rash with a non-sticking dressing to prevent it from spreading</li>
	<li>Do not share clothing items</li>
	<li>Keep a distance from people who are at a higher risk of catching it</li>
	<li>Wear loose, airy clothes around the rash 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Bottom Line

There are two vaccines available for shingles. You may consult with your doctor before getting vaccinated. Getting vaccinated will not eliminate your chances of shingles, but it can reduce the severity of the disease. 
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