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Information On Shingles
The varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox, is responsible for the development of shingles. After a chickenpox outbreak, this virus stays in the body, and lies inactive in the base of nerve cells for many years. For reasons that have yet to be determined, the varicella-zoster virus may reactivate and cause an outbreak of shingles. It will travel along a nerve to the surface of the skin, where it will cause a rash of blisters, fever, and general fatigue.
The virus may spread to the neck and face, and could infect the eyes. Approximately 40 percent of shingles patients that develop shingles in this area suffer from infection of the cornea. A doctor will prescribe an anti-viral medication to reduce the risk of the shingles virus from going too deep into the tissue, which could cause inflammation that could scar the cornea and affect vision. One of the signs that the virus has spread to the eye is decreased sensitivity of the eye, which means that foreign matter such as a speck of dust or eyelash will not be felt as prominently. Problems with the eyes may develop long after shingles symptoms are gone, so it is important to let your eye doctor know if you’ve had a recent outbreak of shingles. While shingles may develop in anyone who has had the varicella-zoster virus, researchers have determined that two common risk factors are old age and weakened immune systems. Those over the age of 80 are five times more likely to develop shingles than adults age 20-40. Other causes may include such things as trauma, major surgery, illnesses such as leukemia or AIDS, or severe stress.
Luckily, the herpes zoster virus is not likely to occur more than once in those with healthy immune systems, and most cases clear up without any serious complications.
Information on Shingles Symptoms
The first sign of shingles is usually an itching, burning, or tingling pain and sensitivity in the area of skin affected by the virus. This may also be accompanied by headache or fever, and a general tiredness. Several days later, a rash will appear that will start as a patch of red skin before developing small clusters of blisters, and the outbreak is most often confined to one side of the body. The most common areas of infection includethe torso or buttocks, but also often occurs on the arms, legs, and face. It is very important to seek treatment if the blisters develop close to the eyes, since it can lead to serious eye damage.
The fluid in the blisters will be clear at first, then turn bloody or yellow before beginning to form scabs and heal. These blisters last approximately three weeks.
Information on Shingles Complications
Post-herpetic neuralgia is the most common complication associated with shingles. It is caused by the nerves becoming irritated from the shingles outbreak. The symptoms of this condition include numbness, pain, tingling, and itching that may last for a long time after the rash has cleared up. This occurs more often in older patients, and the symptoms are typically more severe than those suffered by younger patients. Early diagnosis and treatment of shingles may reduce the risk of developing PHN.The blisters may also become infected and prolong the outbreak. This is usually treated with antibiotics, but may spread and cause more serious conditions if not treated quickly.
Eye infection is one of the more serious concerns of shingles. If shingles occurs on the face, it is possible for it to affect the eye, causing scarring, glaucoma, and vision loss.
Information on Shingles Diagnosis
Shingles is diagnosed based on the pattern of the rash and the characteristic pain before and during the rash outbreak.In order to verify this diagnosis, a doctor may take skin scrapings from the affected area, along with a sample of the fluid from the blisters.
Information on Shingles Treatment
Shingles is treated with pain relievers, cool compresses, and anti-viral drugs, if diagnosed early, to help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. In rare cases, some patients experience mild side effects from these drugs, including lightheadedness, upset stomach, or headache.The pain of post-herpetic neuralgia may be treated with anti-seizure medication or antidepressants. A combination of corticosteroids and anti-viral drugs may be prescribed for more severe infections, especially if it threatens the eyes.
Herpes Zoster shingles) is not contagious like chickenpox. The shingles virus itself cannot be transmitted to others, but it can transmit chickenpox to anyone who has not had the illness. It can only be spread through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters of the shingles rash. Therefore, it is unlikely that anyone will unknowingly come into contact with the virus.
Source: http://dermatology.about.com
