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Define Shingles

Shingles also known as herpes zoster is a virus that targets the nerve roots. Another aspect of shingles is a rash that can be either or one side of the body, the left or the right.

  1. Symptoms

    • Shingles occurs in the body typically after a person has had chickenpox in the past. The virus re-awakens which makes it Shingles. You may feel and tingling or an inching in a certain area on the body. Later you may receive a rash, which later turns to blisters. It can take 2-4 weeks before the blisters heal which can leave behind scars.

    Complications

    • Complications from shingles can include pain lasting more than a month, scarring and skin discoloration, bacterial infections from the blisters, and severe inflammation which can cause pain or a loss of feeling in one or both eyes.

    Who gets Shingles

    • Typically those with autoimmune diseases, health problems or any forms of stress that weaken the immune system, and those older over 50 are more susceptible to shingles.

    Cure for Shingles

    • There is no cure for shingles, but there are antiviral medications that your doctor can prescribe to alleviate pain and cause faster healing.

    Other Treatments

    • Alternative treatments for Shingles include acupuncture, Biofeedback and psychological therapies.

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