Prior to the development of a rash and blisters, which form in the Active stage of shingles, the area around the affected nerves begins to cause discomfort, usually in the form of tingling sensations, pain, burning sensations, tickling and occasionally numbness. In addition, the affected person’s lymph nodes may become swollen and tender. These early symptoms can last anywhere from several days to several weeks before initiating the Active stage of shingles, where areas of rash appear on the body. Reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox is possible in any person who has had the virus, even if they experienced a mild case.

Transmission of shingles from exposure has not been proven, however those who have not been exposed to chickenpox may develop this virus if exposed to someone with shingles. In the event that early symptoms of shingles are exhibited, it is wise to contact a health care professional to diagnose the illness and develop a treatment plan. In all cases of shingles, the sooner treatment is begun, the better the results. There is no cure for shingles, however treatment options are used to prevent possible serious complications due to shingles and to shorten the length of the illness and control the symptoms.

The most popular treatments for early symptoms of shingles can include either one or a combination of the following; topical antibiotics (to prevent infection of any blisters that appear on the skin), OTC (Over the Counter) pain medications, usually aspirin or ibuprofen (to reduce symptoms of pain caused by shingles), and antiviral medicines (which reduce both the duration and symptoms of pain due to shingles). Typically shingles begins to develop on a person’s chest or back, however it has been known to occur in other areas of the body, including but not limited to the head and face, neck, arms or legs and the abdomen. In some cases of shingles, it is possible to have multiple areas of rash on the body.

To start out, Shingles are caused by the same thing that the chicken pox are caused by; a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. After getting the virus, it normally stays in your nerves by your spine, until it becomes active again. Then you get a rash. A big difference between getting chicken pox, and getting shingles is that normally shingles symptoms form on one side of your body in a band. Chicken pox are normally spread all over. If you have had the chicken pox, then you are more likely to get shingles later in life. The statistics are that 1 in 10 people will get shingles in their lifetime.

Another fact is that shingles hurt. It is said to be the most difficult thing to deal with after contracting the illness. Also there are a lot of after effects. The most serious being Posttherpetic Neuralgia (PHN). PHN is a complication that is caused by the infection damages your nerves. Although it may hurt, and the rash isn’t the best either, there is a treatment. It is a short-term early treatment, all you need to do is get a prescription for an oral antiviral medication. After you finally get rid of the shingles, you will be happy to know that you most likely will never get them again. Most people who are healthy will develop an immunity to the virus that caused it all in the first place, the varicella zoster virus. I hope that after reading this you know a few more facts about the shingles illness. If you ever think you have it, or you are uncertain if it is chicken pox or the actual shingles then you should make an appointment and see your doctor. The treatment is for when you first get the shingles, so don’t put it off. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and good luck with your illness.

The virus is a herpes virus, but not to be mistaken for the same herpes virus that causes genital herpes, transmitted sexually. Shingles is contagious to people who have not had chicken pox, however, they would develop chick pox because of the same virus, and not shingles itself. The contagious time depends on weather there are blisters or not. Shingles symptoms start as a burning sensation as nerves are affected, and shortly after the person afflicted will note a rash. It usually gets progressively worse with blisters that appear, ooze, then heal. The whole process can take up to four weeks to pass, making the person feel miserable unless medical treatment has been started as early as possible. If it lasts longer than that, further medical attention should be attended to, as it may signify additional complications. It is anti virus medications that will hasten the healing process, and pain medication should help alleviate some of the discomfort.

Sometimes steroids are recommended. Washing with cool soap and water will help and keeps the affected area clean. Using anti itch lotions will also help. On rare occasions there are complications that can be bad. This is especiallytrue if it is on the face. It can spread to the eye and cause blindness, so care must be taken to treat the face as soon as this virus has been confirmed. There is a vaccine available for people over 60 who have not had chick pox. Studies have shown that it reduces the incidence of chicken pox. However, this vaccine should not be given to anyone with a weakened immune system or have had radiation for cancer as the vaccine contains live virus that can be harmful to that person.