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Zoster Shingles
What is Shingles?
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. The outbreak usually starts out as a tingling pain just under the skin and may be accompanied by a headache, fever, or nausea.The affected area will come read and a rash of blisters will develop a few days later. tha pain can range from mild to excruciating. Herpes zoster shingles) can develop in any person who has had chickenpox. It is believed that the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) leaves behind remnants in nerve cells which reactivate years later to cause shingles.
Who can get it?
Herpes zoster can affect anyone, in any age group, but is most common in people over 60, those who have a weak immune system, and children who contracted chickenpox before the age of one. It is also common in people who have undergone surgery, or those who have undergone treatment for illnesses such as cancer, HIV, or serious skin conditions.The cause for a shingles outbreak has yet to be determined. It is thought to be reawakened by a weakening of the immune system or even extreme fatigue and stress, but there is no definite proof yet as to what causes herpes zoster.
It is a very common condition, and is estimated to affect anywhere from 600,000 to a million cases in the U.S. alone each year.
Treatment
Treatment for herpes zoster consists of antiviral drugs, which are only effective if taken during the first two or three days of a shingles outbreak. Topical ointments are prescribed for the rash itself, along with pain relievers. In some cases, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or corticosteroids may be used to suppress the pain and discomfort caused by shingles. A natural remedy for shingles, Shingles No More, has also proven highly effective in treating shingles.Are there any complications to consider?
Shingles generally clears up without any complications, but can sometimes have lingering effects in patients with weaker immune systems. The most common of these conditions is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which occurs when the pain of shingles continues after the rash has gone away. It occurs most often in older patients, those with weakened immune systems, and those whose shingles go untreated. This condition can be extremely painful and has been known to last as long as a year after the initial shingles outbreak.Occasionally, shingles will develop on the face and neck. If this occurs, there is a chance that Ramsay Hunt syndrome develop, causing loss of taste, facial paralysis, or loss of hearing. The virus may also spread to the eyes, which can sometimes cause serious problems if not treated immediately. It is a good idea to visit an ophthalmologist if shingles develops anywhere close the eyes, in order to keep it from causing an infection, and eventually blindness if left untreated.
Shingles is not a threat to expectant mothers or their babies. If the mother has shingles, it means she is immune to chickenpox, and that immunity will automatically pass to the child.
The blisters from shingles usually go away after a few weeks, but may pose a threat to anyone with a weak immune system. Those with illnesses such as cancer or HIV, or anyone taking medications that cause the immune system to become suppressed, are more likely to develop complications from shingles. It is rare for shingles to occur more than once, however, so once an outbreak is treated, it is unlikely that it will show up again.
How contagious is shingles?
Shingles is caused when the varicella-virus from a previous bout of chickenpox reemerges from the nerve cells. Therefore, it is not possible to contract shingles from another person. However, if someone who has never had chickenpox comes into contact with someone with the herpes zoster virus, it is possible for them to contract chickenpox.If you have never had chickenpox, then it is possible (though unlikely) to contract the virus through contact with someone with shingles. However, the virus can only be spread through direct contact with the blisters themselves. Since the rash normally develops on the torso, clothing usually covers the affected area and therefore poses little threat.
Is any research being done?
Currently, institutes such as the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are conducting research to find new treatments for shingles. An experimental vaccine is being tested, and is hoped to provide a viable cure for shingles in the future.
