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Shingles


About this topic


Shingles or herpes zoster is often a painful skin rash. It is caused by a germ called varicella zoster virus. ‚  
Herpes zoster infects a nerve and the skin that the nerve supplies. It most often affects only one side of the body. The face, around the eyes, and the forehead are often involved. ‚  
The pain, itching, and rash are not harmful but can make people feel uncomfortable. First, pain is felt on one side of the face or body. Then, the rash appears as fluid-filled blisters. Finally, the healing starts and scabs form. It may take 3 to 4 weeks for the scabs to fully heal. ‚  


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What are the causes?


Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, this virus stays inside your body. It may not cause problems for many years. As you get older, and your bodys defense system weakens, the virus may come back as shingles. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


People with a weakened immune system are more likely to have herpes zoster infection. This includes adults older than 60 years of age, people with HIV, and cancer patients. People who take drugs like steroids that weaken the bodys defenses are also more likely to get shingles. ‚  

What are the main signs?


  • Pain on one side of the face or body
  • Itchy rash
  • Blisters
  • Fever
  • Chills

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. The doctor will look at the part of your body where the pain or rash is. Your doctor may touch the painful part, if needed. The doctor may look at your eyes with a special microscope if the pain or blister is near your eye. ‚  
The doctor may order: ‚  
  • Tissue culture taken from the blisters
  • Slit lamp exam to look at the eyes

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


  • Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Stay away from sour, spicy, and acidic foods like oranges and lemons that can make pain worse.
  • Your doctor may cover your blisters with a clean bandage. The doctor will tell you when and how to change the dressing.
  • Your doctor will suggest you put cold or wet compress on the itchy area.
  • If the shingles affects your eye, the doctor may cover your eyes with a bandage.

Are there other health problems to treat?


  • Infection of the eye and the skin around the eye
  • Long-term pain after the rash goes away
  • Ear infection
  • Skin infection
  • Weakness

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Relieve itchiness
  • Fight the virus
  • Keep your eyes moist
  • Numb the affected area

What problems could happen?


  • Very bad pain that is not helped by the drugs you are taking
  • Eyesight changes
  • Hearing problems
  • Another infection
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Stay healthy. Keep your bodys immune system at its best by eating healthy foods and vegetables.
  • Wash your hands often. Wash for 15 seconds or more with soap and warm water.
  • Do not share towels, go swimming, or play contact sports with people with shingles if you never had chickenpox.
  • Ask your doctor about getting a shingles shot.
  • If you are pregnant, stay away from anyone who has herpes zoster until the scabs are gone. The virus might harm your unborn baby.

Helpful tips


  • Do not touch or scratch your rashes.
  • Shower when your doctor tells you to. You may use mild soap and water to wash your blisters. Make sure not to scratch your blisters when drying yourself.
  • Avoid cleaning your ears if your rashes or blisters are near the ears. You may scratch a blister inside your ear and make your condition worse.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes.
  • Wear sunglasses when you go out to cover the affected eye and to keep it moist.
  • Stay away from pregnant women, infants, cancer patients, and people with low immune defenses.
  • If you see a rash or think that a painful part on your body may be caused by herpes zoster, see you doctor right away. Early treatment may shorten the length and severity of the illness.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Dermatology ‚  
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/shingles ‚  
Center for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/overview.html ‚  
FamilyDoctor.org ‚  
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/shingles/treatment.html ‚  
National Institute of Health ¢ ˆ ’ Senior Health ‚  
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/shingles/aboutshingles/01.html ‚  
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚  
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/detail_shingles.htm ‚  
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/686/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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