Understanding Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Let me preface this post with something more basic – what on earth is herpes zoster? Shingles is the recurrence of the varicella-zoster virus. The same virus that sits in your body causing chickenpox is present in your nerves and may reactivate and cause shingles many years later.
What Triggers Shingles?
Ever wonder why shingles would strike out of nowhere? Although the virus lies dormant for decades, there are other culprits that might reactivate it. Those include:
- Decreased immunity from age or disease.
- High levels of stress which can contribute to a decline in overall health
- Certain illnesses like cancer or HIV.
- Prescription medication for immunosuppressants.
Warning Signs
Shingles does not always have an intense declaration. Early symptoms often may resemble another condition, making the diagnosis a challenge. Look out for these symptom signs:
- Localized pain, burning, and tingling sensations.
- A rash that appears days later, red in color.
- Fluid-filled blisters that crust over.
- Fever, fatigue, and headaches in serious cases.
In such a case you should seek the healthcare provider’s attention if you experience any of the above symptoms and discomfort.
Shingles Treatment
Once shingles sets in, the goals are symptom management, faster recovery, and prevention of complications. Good news. Effective treatments exist.
Antiviral Medications
The first line of treatment includes antiviral drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These medications do the following:
- Reduce the length of the attack.
- Decrease pain during the eruptive phase.
- Reduce costs and rates of adverse outcomes.
To derive optimum benefit from antivirals, it should ideally be begun within the first 72 hours of the rash.
Pain Management Techniques
Okay, nobody likes to admit this, but shingles can just be torture. Taking an over the counter pain relief that includes ibuprofen, paracetamol or an equivalent could do the trick. For moderate to severe attacks, doctors may prescribe:
- High doses of prescription painkillers and corticosteroids are believed to cause the condition.
- However, patients should experience relief with the heat and hot topical treatment containing lidocaine patches.
- Measures like using wheat or oatmeal to take a bath in case of itching.
You have to know which one is effective in getting you to comfort and well on the process.
Preventing Herpes Zoster Shingles
An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure-especially in the case of a condition such as shingles. Although you can’t necessarily never get sick of it, there are some things that can prevent it from happening to a large degree.
Vaccination
Vaccines are your best shot at shingles. The Shingrix vaccine is highly effective, recommended for adults over 50 and for those whose immune systems have weakened. It not only stops shingles but even reduces the chance of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.
Lifestyle and Health Tips
Want to keep shingles at bay? Focus on strengthening your immunity:
- Take lots of vitamins and other food supplements.
- Physical exercise helps enhance the general health.
- Manage stress through mindfulness or yoga.
- Get plenty of rest-your body needs time to recharge.
Complications of Shingles
In case of failure to treat the disease, the symptoms of shingles progress to something more painful. Sometimes complications are-medically alter the quality of life significantly.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
The most frequent process is postherpetic neuralgia- pain that lasts after the rash disappears.
The nerve damage leads to this complication and can persist for months or even years.
Other Rare Complications
Although rare, shingles can in some cases lead to:
- Vision loss should the rash affect the eye.
- Conditions of the brain like encephalitis for example or disabling conditions like facial paralysis.
- Skin diseases originate from irritation or lack of proper treatment of rashes.
This makes early treatment and prevention critical.
