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Shingles Medical Condition
Shingles is a medical condition that is caused by the virus that is introduced into the body during an outbreak of chicken pox. It was once thought that chickenpox and shingles were two completely separate diseases. We now know that both conditions are caused by a herpes virus that is called varicella-zoster (VZV). The term varicella indicates the original strain of the virus that causes chickenpox, while the added “zoster” is indicative of the reappearance of the virus that results in shingles. After the initial chickenpox outbreak, the virus travels to the base of nerve cells near the spine and remains dormant. It is not yet known what causes the virus to be “reawakened” but is thought to sometimes be brought upon by old age or weakened immune systems. The herpes zoster virus shingles) will then travel along the affected nerves to the skin, usually to the face or torso, where it develops into the rash associated with shingles.
It has not yet been determined what causes the virus to reawaken, and why some people are affected by it while others are not. People who suffer from illnesses such as cancer or AIDS appear to be more likely to develop shingles. It might also be caused by taking medications that cause the immune system to become suppressed.
Shingles medical condition is not contagious to those who have had chickenpox. Shingles itself cannot be passed to others, since it develops from a preexisting virus that is reactivated. However, it can pass on the chickenpox virus to those who are not immune. While the original chickenpox virus is contagious if the infected person coughs or sneezes, shingles can only be passed on through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters.
Symptoms of the shingles medical condition include nausea, headache, fever, and fatigue before the rash appears several days later. The rash itself appears as small clusters of blisters that resemble those experienced during an outbreak of chickenpox. An outbreak of shingles usually goes away on its own after several weeks, with few, if any, complications. However, if the rash spreads or develops an infection, it could cause more problems.
Common Complications:
The most common complication of the shingles medical condition is what is known as PHN or postherpetic neuralgia. This condition is caused by the nerves becoming irritated during the shingles outbreak, so that they become inflamed and continue to cause pain long after the shingles rash has healed. The pain associated with PHN is often described as excruciating, and even slight pressure or change in temperature can cause discomfort. PHN is usually treated with prescription pain medication or pain patches such as the Lidoderm Patch to provide temporary pain relief.
If this doesn’t help, as is often the case, antidepressants, steroids, or anticonvulsants may be prescribed to provide pain relief. In more severe cases, a method known as TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be used to stimulate the production of endorphins in the affected skin area, which will act as a natural form of pain relief. This method is not effective for everyone, however, and is most often used for older patients who have trouble taking other medications. Nerve blocks are also sometimes used, and involve an injection of local anesthetic into the affected area, which will numb the pain temporarily. This method is usually only used as a final resort, when other methods fail to provide any relief.
Another complication that may arise is that of infection. If the shingles rash is not properly cared for - kept clean, treated with antibacterial lotion - there is a possibility that it could spread to other parts of the body and cause more damage. If the rash develops or spreads to the face, it increases the risk of eye infection, which could cause serious complications, including loss of vision, if not treated promptly.
Ramsey Hunt’s syndrome, also known as herpes zoster oticus, may occur if the virus infects the facial nerves. The symptoms may include earache, hearing loss, dizziness, and paralysis of the facial nerve being affected. The tongue may also be affected and cause loss of taste.
Is there any prevention for shingles?
There is currently no way to prevent an outbreak of shingles, and no prescribed cure for this painful and often incapacitating medical condition. Although scientists are hard at work to determine a more effective means of treatment, and eventually a cure, it is unlikely that these new preventative measures are still several years away. In the meantime, natural remedies such as Shingles No More from Forces of Nature have proven effective for relieving the symptoms of shingles.Source: http://www.nethealthbook.com/herpeszoster.html
Shingles
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Extra Strength treatment for Shingles and Herpes Zoster
