Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

There may come a time when you get the news from your doctor that you have shingles.  Shingles is a viral infection that causes a rash that will be very painful.  This condition is more prevalent in older adults and in those who have weak immune systems.  The shingles rash can be located anywhere on your body, however it most often is observed to be an area of blisters that assume a linear fashion and wrap around either the left or right side of your torso.  The virus that causes shingles is known as the varicella-zoster virus.  Yes, this is the same virus that causes chickenpox to occur.  Most of us get chickenpox as a youngster and after you’ve had it, the virus remains inactive in your nerve tissue that is near your spinal cord and brain.  Then, if the virus is triggered and decides to reactivate, it will take on the role of shingles.

On the plus side, shingles itself is not a life-threatening condition…however it is very painful.  Currently there are vaccinations on the market that can be given to you to help reduce your risk of acquiring shingles now and in the future.  If you become infected with the shingles virus and are diagnosed quickly, early treatment measures will work to shorten the lifespan of the shingles virus and greatly decrease your risk of complications.   

As mentioned above, the signs and symptoms you will notice if you acquire shingles usually will just affect only a small section of your body on one side.  If your rash tends to be more widespread and painful, you should promptly seek medical attention.

            Signs & Symptoms of Shingles

·      Pain, burning, numbness or tingling in the affected area

·      Affected area will be sensitive to touch

·      A red rash will begin to surface a few days after the pain has started

·      Fluid-filled blisters will then develop and eventually break open and crust over

·      Itching of the affected area

            Other Possible Signs and Symptoms

·      Fever

·      Headache

·      Increased sensitivity to light

·      Complaints of fatigue

Of the list of signs and symptoms above, pain is most often the initial complaint and symptom that the shingles virus is setting in.  Everyone experiences pain at a different level, and for some the initial pain felt with this virus can be rather intense.  Due to the area that is usually affected and the location of the pain felt by the individual, the pain can sometimes be mistaken for a symptom of problems that could be affecting the heart, lungs, or kidneys instead.  It is also possible for you to experience the pain of the shingles virus without ever even developing the rash.  In addition to commonly developing on either side of your torso, shingles could also affect one of your eyes or it could occur on one side of your neck or face.  A good point to remember is that if the shingles rash appears around one of your eyes and it is left untreated, it could lead to permanent eye damage.

Keep in mind that age drastically increases your risk of developing complications if you are infected with the shingles virus, especially if you are 65 years or older.  Never hesitate to seek medical attention at the first inclination that you may be coming down with shingles.  You personally are the only one that knows your body the best, so do not put off any warning signs your body could be giving you.  Plus, if you know that you already have a weak immune system from another condition such as cancer, from the medications you take, or from diabetes, or various other conditions please do not wait to contact your provider. 

            Am I contagious?

·      If you have shingles you can pass it to anyone who has not had the chickenpox.

·      Transmission of this to another person occurs with direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash.

·      Once you pass it on to another person, they will get the chickenpox, not shingles.

·      Chickenpox can be dangerous to some people.

·      Until the blisters from your shingles rash scab over, you ARE contagious.

·      While you’re contagious avoid people with a weak immune system, newborns and pregnant women because this infection could be very dangerous to them.

            What are the risks for shingles?

·      Over 50 years of age and the risk continues to rise with continued aging.

·      Having other diseases that weaken your immune system.

·      Going through radiation or chemotherapy for cancer treatment can lower your resistance to illnesses and may even trigger shingles to become active.

·      Taking certain medications such as prednisone, because if you take it for a long time period, prednisone can suppress your immune system.

            What are the complications?

·      For some unfortunate individuals, shingles pain may continue long after the rash has cleared up.

·      Shingles that occurs in or around your eye may lead to some sort of vision loss.

·      Depending upon which nerves the shingles virus affects, you could end up with a neurological problem such as difficulty hearing or problems with your balance.

·      Skin infections could occur if the shingles blisters are not properly cared for…bacteria could enter the open sores as invaders and trigger a whole new infection.

Once diagnosed, your provider will decide which treatment route is the best for you.  You must realize there is no outright cure for shingles, however with prompt treatment and a prescription for an antiviral medication you will be on your way to better days with a quicker healing time and a decreased chance of complications.  This condition will generally last two to six weeks give or take, and most people will only become infected once; however it is possible to become infected more than once.  Total Home Health has a program that will fit perfectly into your daily routine.  Our professionals will continue the treatment prescribed to you by your provider consistently and in the comforts of your own home.  Total Home Health will be there when you need someone the most and our staff will strive to ensure your ultimate satisfaction and optimal health.  Enroll with us and let’s get started today!