A painful rash with blisters is known as shingles, also called herpes zoster. The reactivation of the chicken pox virus (varicella zoster) causes this skin problem. On one side of the body or face, this rash occurs affecting a small area. The older people or those with a weaker immune system normally suffer from this disease due to stress, injury, illness or medicine overdose. It can be treated and normally subsides within a few days.

 

Symptoms

Fever and weakness are early symptoms of the disease. The following are some other symptoms of the disease:

  • Pain, burning or itching in the affected area
  • The sudden appearance of a rash
  • A pink or red patch on side of the body or face (clustered along the nerve path)
  • Shooting pain in the affected area
  • Itchy and painful blisters filled with fluids

 

Diagnosis

You can see a blistering rash on one side of your body if you have shingles. It is better if you go to a reliable diagnostic centre for proper diagnosis, which is needed for the right treatment.

 

Causes

This disease can be mainly caused by:

  • The virus varicella zoster
  • Skin rash with painful and itchy blisters that are filled with fluids
  • Weakened immune system
  • The virus may also be activated due to certain medications

 

Risks

The risk of getting shingles increase due to the following factors:

  • Early episode or history of chickenpox
  • Age over 50 years
  • Stress and trauma
  • A weak immune system
  • There is a high chance of the development of shingles in the baby if a pregnant woman has chickenpox

 

Prevention

One should take care of the following in order to prevent the occurrence of this disease:

  • Always keeping the rash covered
  • Washing the hands covered
  • Avoiding the people who have a weakened immune system

 

Complications

You tend to focus on how to get relief from the pain and discomfort when you have shingles. In a month, normally the symptoms go away. There may be complications in some people. Shingles can lead to serious problems. It can result in the loss of eyesight. You can go to any doctor chamber to consult a dermatologist.

The most common problem that shingles causes is postherpetic neuralgia or PHN. In normal cases, when the rash is gone your symptoms usually go away. However, there may be itching, pain, tingling and burning for months after the rash has healed if you have PHN.

 

Treatment

The progress of the shingles rash may slow down on the use of antiviral medications. To lessen the pain, your doctor may prescribe some painkillers. There are various other treatment options available.