If you are an adult who did not have chickenpox as a child, you are at risk of developing shingles as an adult. You are also at a higher risk of developing shingles if you have a compromised immune system. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a very painful rash. The rash extends from the middle of your back across your chest. To prevent this illness, you can request a vaccine from your doctor. If you have young children, it is likely they are already protected through child vaccinations.
What causes shingles?
According to the Mayo Clinic, shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox--the varicella-zoster virus. It is not life-threatening but can be very painful. Shingles can lead to a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia, which causes skin to remain sensitive for months or possibly years after the shingles infection subsides.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
The first symptom is extreme pain in any part of your body, followed by a rash, which is usually one-sided. The rash runs across your back around to your chest. It can occur on other parts of your body such as your neck and face as well. The rash eventually forms blisters, which break and crust over as the condition progresses. Other symptoms include severe pain, itching, burning in other parts of your body, headache and stomach ache. This condition can be passed to others who have not had chickenpox as a child by simply coming in contact with the open sores.
What should you do when you have the rash?
When you first develop pain, you will likely not know that you have shingles. When you develop the rash, you may suspect chickenpox, as the rash looks very similar. You should contact your physician for a diagnosis so that you can begin treatment. The key is to begin treatment early to help shorten the illness. Your doctor will use a multifaceted approach to help you get better fast.
First, your doctor will prescribe high doses of an antiviral drug, such as Zovirax, Valtrexor or Falmvir. These medications work best when they are started early in the illness, usually within 72 hours of the first signs of rash.
Use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as a corticosteroid like prednisone helps reduce inflammation. They may also help reduce your risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.
You may also be given strong pain relievers such as narcotics like opiods to relieve the pain from shingles. If the pain continues after the rash subsides, tricyclic antidepressants or some anticonvulsants have shown to be helpful. A topical ointment containing lidocaine can also be used.
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