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Herpes Shingles Infection

Shingles has become less prevalent in the United States, but still affects nearly 500,000 people a year. It is important to understand the symptoms and prognosis in order to get quickly diagnosed and treated.

  1. What Are Shingles?

    • Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the chicken pox virus. Most of the time it infects older people with weaker immune systems. Shingles is contagious.

    Shingles Symptoms

    • Shingles has most of the same symptoms as the flu before the rash is seen--patients will have fatigue, fever, and a cough for a day or so before a red, itchy rash comes out on the skin. The rash is red at first, then often morphs into a painful reddish purple or black rash that spreads rapidly.

    Potential Complications

    • If the rash makes its way onto a patient's face, there is a potential for blindness or other eye problems; skin infections and balance problems are other complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is potential for postherpetic neuralgia, a condition in which the nerves of the skin are damaged and send pain signals to the brain.

    Treatment for Shingles

    • Most doctors prescribe anti-viral medications to treat shingles, and they are effective. Sometimes pain medications are used because of the rash involved, and over-the-counter medications like calamine lotion or anti-inflammatories work as well.

    Prevention

    • According to MedicineNet, the FDA approved the first vaccine for shingles in adults. It recommends getting the shot when you turn 60 to prevent an infection later in life.

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