The Treatment Of Herpes Symptoms

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Joe Homps

The Treatment Of Herpes Symptoms

Much confusion exists about herpes. Because there are two main types of herpes, oral and genital. It can sometimes be difficult to determine if a person has herpes – as well as the best course of treatment for the specific type of herpes. One of the most vital steps in treating herpes is getting diagnosed with the virus. While this may seem obvious, a significant number of people with herpes may dismiss it as a simple cold sore or a slight case of the flu.

Cold sores can be quite common but how many people run to the nearest pharmacy for an over the counter recommendation to “treat” cold sores? How many people know that cold sores are one type of herpes? Similarly, those with body aches or a fever may wait for it to pass, not knowing that this is one sign of herpes and may have repeated bouts of inflammation and symptoms. These are reasons why diagnosis and treatment are important. With proper treatment, life can return to normal again and symptoms can usually be controlled.

Treating herpes: Symptoms Get Proper Diagnosis

Some people may not have symptoms. However, if a sexual partner has recently been diagnosed with genital herpes, it is a good idea for his or her partner to get tested. Other symptoms of herpes can include fatigue, joint pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes and sores that resemble blisters. Genital herpes can also result in discharge from the genital area.

Of course, not all herpes is transmitted sexually. Many children or young adults have cold sores. This usually means the virus was transmitted when by a simple kiss on the mouth or even near the mouth. It can even be spread by touching items used by someone else with herpes, perhaps a towel or glass. Genital herpes, however, is spread by sexual contact or activity. To complicate matters further, the infected person may not be showing signs of herpes and still be able to infect his or her partner.

Everyone should be aware of the most common symptoms of herpes and get tested if these symptoms arise. It is also important to realize that some people may feel quite ill and feverish but others may have symptoms that are easily dismissed and not bothersome. Even so, any discharge, pain or swollen lymph nodes in the genital area is reason for concern.

Treating Herpes Symptoms: Medications

Once genital herpes is diagnosed, a number of medications can be used to keep attacks and symptoms under control. Three medications are commonly used: Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex. Others are on the horizon or being researched but these three are among the first choice of medications. Zovirax is not only used to treat herpes but shingles and chicken pox. It has been shown to be effective for many people but (as is so often the case), some herpes medications may work better for some patients than others. Zovirax is an anitviral medication which can be used by pregnant women, lessening the chances that they will have active lesions when their babies are born.

Another medication, Famvir, is also an antiviral. Although it can’t cure herpes (no medication can actually cure herpes but only reduce symptoms), it has been a great help to many with herpes. However, it may not be the best choice for those with kidney disease or problems with glucose absorption. Like Zovirax, it can be taken by pregnant women. Famvir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes so appropriate safe sex methods should be used.

Valtrex is a medication which can be used for both genital and non-genital herpes infections and is often used in children who have cold sores as well as adolescents or adults who may have genital type herpes. It is safe for pregnant women to take but should be avoided or used with caution in those who have HIV or immune system diseases as well as those with kidney conditions. A specialist can determine whether Valtrex is the appropriate medication.

In addition to prescription medications to treat herpes symptoms, there are also alternative therapies as well as nutritional supplements and dietary changes which may greatly reduce the symptoms of herpes. These options include diets high in lysine and arginine as well as those which strengthen the immune system.

Herpes-Treatment-Help.com is a guide to treating and living with the symptoms and stages of herpes. Learn more about herpes treatment by visiting the Web site.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Joe Homps

George asks…

herpes zoster?

i am 18 y.o…..i have got a red rash on my skin, d doc said it is herpes zoster………….he told me thrz nothn 2 worry about. but i still want 2 knw wat exactly is it? is it fatal? can it be 100% cured…..and how did i get it??? its not a STD rite?? i have never had any sexual contact wid ne1……….
…………..please tell me………..all d help is turely appreciated……..im really worried…………thanx

admin answers:

Herpes Zoster is more commonly called Shingles. Shingles are small blisters on a red base and follow along a nerve which means that they can only be on one side of your body. They can follow any nerve but a common site is the nerve along your abdomen. It is not anything to be worried about although you should be treated for the condition with a pill called Valtrex or Zovirax. A person normally will get shingles only once in a lifetime but it is not uncommon for a person to get it more often if they have immune problems, It is NOT an std and you shouldn’t be worried about it, nobody knows the reason why this virus starts up in any individual but some people say that a heavy stress load brings it out.

Ruth asks…

Any advice on pain relief for shingles/herpes zoster?

I have had herpes zoster on the same spot and have been prescibed very strong pain meds which I don’t like to take. Does anyone have any natural remedies?

admin answers:

There really is not too much that you can do for shingles honestly? Because its an inflammation/infection in the areas around your nerves it is just painful by nature- home remedies won’t really stop the pain signals from going to your brain.

You can try ibuprofen or aspirin, they may help with both the pain and the inflammation. Ice or cold packs helps for some people, also my sister had shingles a number of times as a kid and I think I remember her being prescribed some sort of cream that contained pain relievers in addition to the pain pills?
You could also go back to the doctor and see if they have any other ideas. You may feel better with a different prescription, or they might know of some alternative treatment type thing that could help?

Richard asks…

Does Shingles have anything to do with herpes since its also called herpes zoster virus?

i saw online that shingles is also called herpes zoster virus. Does that mean it has something to do with herpes?

admin answers:

All these are in the herpes virus family. Oral and genital herpes are Herpes simplex type 1 and 2; chicken pox is Herpes zoster. Shingles is a reactivation of the zoster virus many years later. The herpetic viruses are characterized by the affinity (living) in nerve tissue & roots.

Ken asks…

What is risk of chicken pox to my 6 year old granddaughter if exposed to herpes zoster?

I was diagnosed with shingles (herpes zoster) after spending weekend with my 6 year old granddaughter. What are her chances of contracting chicken pox (same virus)?

admin answers:

Well if your granddaughter got all her immunizations, there isn’t any risk…. The varicella virus is now vaccinated against in the routine list of vaccines children recieve.

Jenny asks…

what would be drug of choice in a pregnant woman with herpes zoster infection?

can acyclovir be given to a pregnant lady if she is suffering from herpes zoster if not then which other alternative drug be given to her? if possible tell the dose too.

admin answers:

I am sure valtrex is safe, because I know that it is given to women in the later stages of pregnancy to prevent them transmitting their genital herpes infection to the baby during the birth. Valtrex is used to treat both shingles and genital/oral herpes, all of which are herpes viruses. I don’t know the dose though.

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Treatment And Cure For Herpes

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Joe Homps

Treatment And Cure For Herpes

Article by John Daniel Rivera







There are at least seven types of herpes viruses. Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) causes cold sores and genital herpes. Many experts suspect HSV-1 may be involved in Bell’s palsy and some other neurological disorders. Herpes zoster is responsible for chickenpox and shingles. Cytomegalovirus, another member of the herpes orders, and is particularly dangerous to developing foetuses, newborns, and people with depressed immune systems. The Epstien-Barr virus (EBV) is the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. Human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6) and 7 (HHV-7) are suspected of being triggering autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis, and roseola, a common illness of early childhood. Human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8) is very closely related to the Epstien-Barr virus, and may lead to cancer of the bone, chronic fatigue syndrome, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and infection of the lymphatic system. This section primarily addresses genital herpes.

Recommended herbs for treatment and cure for herpes

Olive leaf extract appears to help curb the growth of viral diseases such as herpes. A red marine alga contains antiviral carbohydrates that are effective, both topically and orally, for the treatment of herpes. Spirulina contains phytonutrients that appear to boost the immune system. Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antiseptic. During a herpes outbreak, dab it lightly on the affected area several times a day, either full strength or, if that is too strong, diluted with distilled water or cold-pressed vegetable oil. Do not get tea tree oil close the eye area. Other herbs useful for herpes treatment include cayenne (capsicum), Echinacea, myrrh, red clover, and St. John’s wort. Astragalus, or huang qi, enhances the immune system and acts as an antibiotic. Applying black walnut or goldenseal extract to the affected area may help. Cat’s claw has immune-enhancing properties and acts against the viral infection. Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic. It can be taken in capsule viral infection. Warning: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, do not use it during pregnancy, and use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed. Larreastat is trademarked herbal remedy derived from chaparral that is said to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Licorice root inhibits both the growth and cell damaging effects of herpes simplex. If you are using licorice, increase your potassium intake. Warning: Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row. Avoid it completely if you have high-blood pressure.

More recommendations for treatment and cure for herpes

Do not consume citrus fruits and juices while the virus is active. Get plenty of rest. Stress reduction is important. To ease swelling and pain in the genital area, use ice packs. Warm Epsom salts or baking soda bath help itching and pain. After the bath, pat dry gently and keep the lesions dry. Apply vitamin E and vitamin A, alternately, directly on the sores. Or try using L-lysine cream from a health food store. Wear cotton underwear. Practice good genital hygiene- keeps clean and dry. If you have active lesions, refrain from sex until the sores have completely healed. Do not have completely healed. Do not have intercourse with a person with visible genital lesions of any kind. If you are pregnant and know you have a genital herpes, tell your health care provider. If an attack occurs late in the pregnancy, you baby may have to be delivered by caesarean section to protect against the exposure during birth. If there are no lesions present, the risk to the baby is probably low. Avoid alcohol, processed foods, colas, white flour products, sugar, refined carbohydrates, coffee, and drugs to lessen the chance of an outbreak. Herbal teas are beneficial, but all other teas should be avoided. Drink steam-distilled water. Eat the following in moderation during the outbreaks, almonds, barley, cashews, cereals (grains), chicken, chocolate, corn, dairy products, meat, nuts and seeds, oats, and peanuts. This contains L-arginine, an amino acid that suppresses L-lysine, the amino acid that retards virus growth.

Another important treatment and cure for herpes is the application of “The Cure Within One Minute”. Madison Cavanaugh, author of the Ebook, The Secret to Healing Virtually All Diseases” has a message of life and hope, however. She insists that, “Microbes, germs, harmful bacteria and viruses, and all kinds of sexually transmitted diseases including cancer, do not cause the problem they are only effects of a hidden cause,” she states. They do only seek a place where they can reproduce and that is an oxygen- depleted body rather than being the cause of the disease and sickness. Oxygenated body (environment) is uninhabitable by viruses and all kinds of diseases, Madison further states, any viruses that causes herpes and malignant cancer cells can neither survive nor thrive in it. Therefore, the best first line of defense against microbes, germs, harmful bacteria and viruses, and all kinds sexually transmitted diseases and all kinds of cancer cells is to keep the environment of our body oxygenated.

For further information and for and in-depth study of this alternative treatment. Just follow the link and get your copy now of the best treatment and cure for herpes.

http://curewithinoneminute.info



About the Author

This article is written by John Daniel Rivera is an advocate for holistic health and healing, and has been in the field of health for quite a few years. He is interested in illuminating individuals and helping others return to a better quality of health. If you would like to learn more about his approach, please feel free to visit the site.

http://www.curewithinoneminute.com

http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/treatment-and-cure-for-herpes-1498867.html

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Your First Cold Sore:Lip Blister Questions And Answers About Herpes Simplex Virus I

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Joe Homps

Your First Cold Sore:Lip Blister Questions And Answers About Herpes Simplex Virus I

Getting your first cold sore can be unsettling because it isn\’t just the seven to ten day duration that is difficult but knowing it can recur in the future on the lip. Just as the chicken pox virus can recur in future as shingles, so the herpes simplex virus 1 can be re-activated. It remais in the nerve sheaths and when the immune system is low, you are run down or during hormonal changes it can surface again.

Be sure to have a good diet, get enough sleep and use a sun protection factor sunscreen on your lip when you are outdoors. You\’ll notice the stages of first having a tingle or itch. This isn\’t always caught. After that there will be a small red bump on the lip which can grow. It isn\’t a pimple and you can tell it\’s different. It can get quite inflamed. The blister may bleed a little as it starts to heal and it gets stimulated due to eating. It needs to scab and finally it will resolve. After it heals the skin on lip area may seem slightly pinker but this will go away.

During this process don\’t touch the cold sore. It is tempting to constantly gauge if it\’s growing or shrinking but it\’s too easy to then touch another part of your body or lip and possibly spread it. We don\’t always remember to wash our hands when we have cold sore symptoms. Be careful about any part of your skin that are vulnerable already such as eczema outbreaks, acne, insect bites or broken areas. Be careful around others to not spread the virus via sharing forks, kissing or touch.

Antivirals can be prescribed by your doctor and you can also use lysine, vitamins and other supplements to build up your immune system. Do not let your self-consciousness stop you from enjoying each day and know that this sore will resolve.

 

Frustrated by cold sore? Stop by Cold Sore Lip Tips to learn ways to treat cold sore blisters at http://www.itchyskinrash.net/cold-sore-lip.html

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ChickenPox and its Treatments

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Joe Homps

ChickenPox and its Treatments

Article by harryjackson9







Chicken pox is caused due to a virus. It is highly contagious and afflicts children as well as adults. However, when children get chicken pox, the symptoms are not that severe as when adults get itChicken Pox home remedy treatment can be achieved by using Brown Vinegar. The use of brown vinegar is known to be one of the most important home remedies for treating chicken pox.

Chickenpox occurs mostly during the end of the winter and the beginning of the spring. It generally affects children aged from 2 to 8 and can take the form of epidemics.Predrome (pain) – being the first symptom to appear in patients, it appears to be located at the very site where the virus will be re-activating, making the pain be sharp, piercing, tearing or even similar to an electric shock.The vaccination of children avoids the acquiring of the virus in childhood. This fact is not really helping the children because, when they become adults they are more exposed to develop chicken pox and the complications at an older age are unavoidable.

It goes without saying that chicken pox rash is quite itchy and you will want to control the itching otherwise bacterial infection of the lesions could set in. Take 2 teaspoons each of marigold flowers and witch hazel leaves. Soak them overnight in one cup of water and then use the water to apply on the blisters.Fill your bath tub with cool water and then add a piece of ginger to it. Make the person having chicken pox sit in the bath for around 30 minutes. This home remedy helps to stop the itching.Take a glass of water and add half teaspoon of baking soda. Use a soft sponge to gently sponge the body. Let the water and baking soda mixture dry naturally. Once it dries, it will help alleviate the itching.

For fever, drink Catnip tea sweetened with molasses.Many parents are worried that chicken pox blisters will leave permanent scars on their child, especially if the child has been scratching them. Take pure natural homey and gently apply on the dried scabs. This will prevent scarring and also help to lighten the scars.Apply Vitamin E oil on the scabs and this home remedy will make the scars disappear quickly.Well-balanced diet – At first, put the patient on a 100% fruit diet. After the condition seems to be improving, switch the patient to a more well-balanced diet.Warm baths with neem leaves – Give the patient a warm bath with neem leaves included in it. Neem leaves should be added to the water for the best results.

Treatments

After chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves of the body. For reasons as yet unknown, the virus can become active again after many years, causing shingles.The symptoms of chickenpox are: fever, itchy, red bumps that transform into round blisters with a red base. These blisters will form a crust and will eventually dry.Blisters appear in many cases on the scalp and in the mouth. After their appearance they spread all over the body especially over the shoulders, chest and back.

A treatment for chicken pox is not always necessary. If the patient is isolated in a cold room this infection may disappear within a week. Warm places can cause an even harder to take itchiness. If the infection develops into a more serious one treatment is highly recommended.Sometimes there is a delay in the ability to recover, such as when weeks pass. This may require a gentle stimulus. Should the child also be weak and his appetite distorted, the remedy is likely to be Sulphur 30.

Once the blisters burst open they get healed within a week. Light scars are left which will disappear soon. Shingles may not be a deadly disease but it may prove to be dangerous for people suffering from HIV infection or getting cancer treatments, as the immune system is very weak.Except them, all children are vaccinated against chicken pox when they are one year old. It is preferable that your child receives the chicken pox vaccine at the same time with the vaccine against mumps- measles- rubella.



About the Author

Read about Migraine Relief and also read about Migraine Supplements and Migraine Treatment

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Self Diagnosis Of Chickenpox Symptoms

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Joe Homps

Self Diagnosis Of Chickenpox Symptoms

Chickenpox symptoms ordinarily present as countless fluid-filled blisters that are intensely itchy and can appear anyplace on the body. Chickenpox (a.k.a.Varicella) is a highly contagious viral ailment and though this has long been regarded as a child’s sickness, the same virus (herpes zoster) can trigger a medical condition named shingles in a grownup.

Chickenpox Symptoms And Causes

The average youngster will present with indicators of general illness a day or two prior to breaking out in the itchy, fluid-filled blisters normally connected with the chickenpox. These early indications may involve a fever, headache, stomach upset or ache, or loss of appetite. For the duration of that one to two day interval the child is contagious to others.

Inside of a couple of days, a child will break out in countless small, itchy red spots and blisters. These blisters typically appear on the face, trunk or scalp initially prior to spreading to other areas of the body. The blisters change over the next few days to form a crusty scab as new blisters continue to form, springing up in groups for a couple more days. Blisters can develop in the mouth, vagina and on the eyelids.

Chickenpox is brought about by an infection of the Herpes zoster virus by way of direct contact with the fluid from a chickenpox blister or airborne particles from an contaminated child’s cough or sneeze. After exposure to the virus, it will generally take approximately 10 to 21 days for the pox to be seen.

Chickenpox Diagnosis And Treatment

This viral infection is usually identified by way of the observation of the above mentioned signs. If there is any question about the diagnosis, the existence of the disease can be confirmed by a medical practitioner using blood tests or a test of the blisters.

Treatment may entail simply waiting for the virus to run its course, which ordinarily occurs within 2 weeks. After exposure to the virus it can stay dormant or asleep in the child’s body for a lifetime. Nonetheless, the virus can re-emerge in adulthood causing shingles.

A youngster should steer clear of any contact with other children till the pox have crusted over and dried completely.

To help soothe itchiness a particular person can use cool compresses, calamine creams and lotions or topical anesthetic ointments, or an oatmeal bath in lukewarm water. An oral antihistamine may also help relieve the extreme itching associated with this illness.

A medical doctor may use antiviral medications for individuals with added risk components like more aged (adult or teenager) patients or individuals with complicating circumstances (i.e. eczema, lung conditions, weakened immune systems)

Excess heat and sweating should be avoided and the individual ought to be discourage from scratching. Acetaminophen may be employed to lower fever and discomfort. Avoid aspirin completely when dealing with a viral infection such as chickenpox.

The introduction of the chickenpox vaccine has made traditional chickenpox in children much less common. Individuals with the vaccine may still get a mild version of the disease and will be contagious to others.

Scarring is not common unless the pox became infected from scratching.

Take an active role in your health by learning even more about Chickenpox

You can read more about this condition and use a free tool that walks you through your symptoms and leads you to an online diagnosis. Prepare yourself before your doctor’s visit and figure out what your symptoms mean using this Medical Symptom Diagnosis Tool.

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Soma tramadol and other generic prescriptions

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Joe Homps

Soma tramadol and other generic prescriptions

Article by Rocky Melton







The following are speedy summaries of typical soreness relief medications you can purchase by the Net with quite bit of risk:Fioricet (butalbital)Fioricet is a mixture drug. It is built up of acetaminophen, caffeine and butalbital. Acetaminophen is the identical medication in Tylenol You know caffeine from coffee (or even your favourite candy bar.) Butalbital is a mild barbiturate. It relaxes you.Medical Science does not have an explanation for the motive this mixture of medications operates so properly, but the point is Fioricet (and its generic type butalbital) is really powerful for pressure headache. Presumably, it relaxes the muscular tissues in the head and neck which usually tighten through tension headaches.. This is the top marketing drug at our pharmacy month following month- it genuinely can help headaches!Soma (carisoprodol)Soma is a muscle relaxant. It acts by blocking electrical signals among nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and in the spinal cord. Carisoprodol, combined with rest and bodily treatment, is prescribed for the short term relief of distressing muscle conditions- especially muscle spasm (in which the muscle tightens and does not unwind). Most back again strains end result in muscle spasm, so patients obtain carisoprodol highly powerful in relieving back again soreness.Celebrex (celecoxib)Celebrex is employed in the remedy of signs or symptoms of arthritis. This features joint soreness, stiffness, swelling and irritation. The medication does not remedy arthritis, but does give symptomatic relief. It s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and irritation. The drug will work by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the human body. Prostaglandins lead to the pain and swelling affiliated with arthritis.Ultram (tramadol)Ultram is used for remedy of reasonable to severe chronic discomfort. It binds to the opiod receptors on nerves (the same mechanism employed by narcotics), but it has a far decrease probable for dependency. It’s the closest medicine to a narcotic you can order legally in the US on line. It is not a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug) and does not carry the possibility of abdomen ulceration and internal bleeding which can accompany the use of such medications. It is usually prescribed for discomfort related with shingles, fibromyalgia and other continual diseases.UlracetUltracet is a mixture of acetaminophen and tramadol. It is usually prescribed for the quick expression (up to 5 days) relief of moderately serious acute pain. It is frequently prescribed for publish-surgical ache or soon after dental procedures.The ultram mechanism as described above is very similar to the mechanism employed by narcotics. Acetaminophen of program is the lively ingredient in Tylenol. It works by rising the threshold to soreness (i.e. it normally takes much more pain stimulus to cause the sensation of soreness). These two medicines get the job done by diverse mechanisms, and they merge to be much more productive than both drug alone.Soreness relief medication can be ordered safely online, but one will need to work out proper caution ahead of executing so. Particularly, it is really essential to ascertain whether you want to see a physician before purchasing discomfort medication. If you have a sudden onset of ache which is not readily explained, you really should talk to a doctor to begin with. If in doubt, go to the emergency room.



About the Author

Former book author who is sick of publishing politics, I have discovered it is a significantly greater life style to just write pharmacuetical articles and sell them to big prescription drug companies.Men’s health care, Men’s health care, Soma Generic

Posted in Medications For Shingles | Leave a comment

Herpes Zoster: Causes Symptoms and Treatments

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Joe Homps

Herpes Zoster: Causes Symptoms and Treatments

Herpes zoster also known as shingles is a common viral skin disease that manifests as a painful rash usually in the shape of a strip on one side of the body. The virus, varicella zoster virus known to cause chicken pox in children and adults, is often not eliminated from the body, even after the disease is treated. This virus goes on to cause shingles, often many years later. Herpes zoster should not be confused with herpes simplex, as both are from the same family, but are different diseases.

Causes of Herpes Zoster:

The Varicella Zoster Virus(VZV) sometimes becomes latent in the never cell bodies, and the non neural satellite cells of the dorsal root, cranial nerve or the autonomic ganglion. It remains in active for years after chicken pox outbreak. But sometimes the virus travels down the axon, having broken out of the nerve cells body, and causes a viral infection on the skin, in the general area surrounding the nerve ending.

Symptoms and Signs of Herpes Zoster:

The first few symptoms to manifest are a mild fever, headaches and malaise. But these are often ignored and/or misdiagnosed as they maybe mistaken for the common cold. Following these symptoms are itching, hyperesthesia (oversensitivity), paresthesia (tingling or ‘pins and needles’ sensation) and a burning pain in the region affected. The pain is accompanied by sensations that are described by patients as tingling, aching, stinging, throbbing or numbing. It is also interspersed with stabs of pain that is agonizing.

The initial phase is followed by an appearance of a skin rash that is characterized by herpes. This occurs within 1-2 days of the infection becoming active, but sometimes this rash takes up to 3 weeks to manifest. Initially the rash resembles hives, but soon it turns into blisters that are filled with serous exudate. Soon the blisters become cloudy or darkened and eventually crust up and fall off. It usually doesn’t leave a mark, but at times there is discoloration and scarring of the skin that was affected.

Treatment of Herpes Zoster:

The treatment for herpes zoster is usually to make the symptoms bearable by the patients, to shorten the duration of the episode and to limit its severity. Several treatments of herpes zoster are followed by doctors:

Analgesics: over the counter pain medication is usually recommended to people with mild to moderate pain. Topical analgesics like calamine are also used to soothe the rash. In severe cases of pain, stronger prescription pain killers are given.

Antiviral: Several antiviral are prescribed by doctors to reduce the severity and inhibit replication of the virus.

Steroids: Steroids are used in the treatment, but they are not a highly recommended course of action.

Prognosis of the disease:

In most patients the rash and the pain subside within 3 to 5 weeks. One in five patients, though develop a condition called Postherpetic Neuralgia, which is a painful condition and often difficult to manage. The risk of developing cancer after Herpes Zoster is also there. Certain complications may be faced, even though the disease resolves in 2 weeks:

A secondary bacterial infection
Weakness in motor activities
Eye involvement: Trigeminal Nerve involvement is seen, and should be treated as fast as possible, and as aggressively as possible as it may lead to blindness.
Postherpetic Neuralgia: it is a chronic pain condition that at times follows the Herpes Zoster infection.

Herpes Zoster can be a painful condition that is often misdiagnosed in the early stages. But once treated properly and extensively, it is fully curable and the chances of relapse are low.

The treatment of Herpes Zoster is possible through the prescription drug Valtrex. If any of your family members suffer from it, contact your physician for treatment with this drug.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Joe Homps

Lisa asks…

Shingles on the face (and impetaigo).?

I was at the doctors today with a nasty rash that erupted on my face within a two day period after flu like symptoms. Although I was told it is shingles (that evolved to impetaigo), my mother the “know better” in the family refuses to believe it and tells me it’s just my eczema, that my doctor doesn’t know what he’s talking about and that if I had shingles I’d be in agony and feel like I was dying. Surely there’s different varying degrees of shingles and not everyone suffers the same types of symptoms?

admin answers:

You are correct. As a rule, the older the person, the worse the pain. On the other hand, there is a condition called Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption, in which a spread of a cold sore can occur in someone with eczema, so perhaps you have only herpes simplex 1 on your face, instead of herpes varicella-zoster (shingles). Those two can look identical, and olny a culture or immunostaining can tell the difference. And, either one can become secondarily infected, once the blisters open up (become impetiginized). So, without further lab tests, it might be impossible to tell whether your doctor or your mother are correct.

Mark asks…

Medication follow up: regarding dosage on Lyrica?

I know–I can call my doctor, but this is just my wanting to see what others may have experienced with this drug.I was on it for 4 weeks, about 4 days on 75 mg. 2 x’s a day, then after 4 days, put on 150 mg. 2 times a day, that dosage for 4 weeks. I wanted to ‘wean off’ so the doctors reduced it to 150 once a day. After 3 days, the shingles symptoms on my face got worse again (over the weekend). I took another 150 mg. last night and slept well and no terrible itching. Today, I feel woozy and drugged, sort of. This drug does make one sleepy, at first anyway. I hope after tonight, it won’t be so bad tomorrow. Just wondering if it’s safe. I know you can’t go off or change dosage suddenly, but I’ve been on this 300 mg. dosage 4 wks. and only on the 150 3 days. Any comments? thanks–yanksgirl
ps: I hate to call my doctor again. I never get him anyway, just his ‘phone person’.

admin answers:

This drug is also called pregabalin… Lyrica pregabalin. Here is a link to an article about it that is better than I could type out. One has to be VERY careful with this drug. You can consult your pharmacist for general questions about it. This article also says that your doctor should keep careful watch on you while you are taking this, especially in the beginning if one is going to take it for a long time. So that is your doctor’s job and don’t hesitate to call him with questions and feedback about how it is affecting you.

Http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/500647.html

Helen asks…

SHINGLES? whats wrong with my arm?? PLEASE HELP!?

ok so today like 5 hours ago my arm started hurting. i thought it was my tricep but it followed the back of my arm from my arm pit to my mid forearm. i thought i pulled a muscle but it doesnt really feel like that since it follows a trail all the way down.

i hurts wen i move it or touch it and just regularly. it hurts most wen i bend my elbow or whole arm from my shoulder. i thought maybe i hyper extended it but i havent done any physical activities in the past few days…

the pain has just gotten worse and worse since it initially started hurting and i talked to my boyfriend and he sed the same EXACT thing happened to him last year and it was shingles. all the symptoms and feelings are the same- but i already had chicken pox.

what could this be?

ps: the pain is so bad im shaking and tears are streaming down my face– and i never cry about pain
the pain isnt as bad since iver taken motrin- but the motrin took 40 minutes to start working

admin answers:

If you really think it’s shingles call your dermatologist immediately and start taking an antiviral so it doesn’t get bad. I had shingles on my arm 3 weeks before my wedding and it was very painful. But taking the antiviral reduced the spreading and it was not that bad at all…and it was gone by my wedding 🙂 hope you feel better soon!

John asks…

last year i was diagnose with shingles.?

last year i was diagnose with shingles witch is more common of herpes zester. it is not a strasmiteded dease is do to chiken pox my ques tions is that they gave me some dication the symptoms went away. but lately i ve bee felling liwas felling the same time was feeling my but not with the rash. some of the symtoms are tingling feeling in the arms real bad neck pain and stifness in your face i am having dose same symptoms but not with the rash. ihave an appointment with my gynacologist tuesday and a doctors appointment december 18 with my regular doctor yould i go today to the emergency room or wait to see them. i am scared it might get worse iwas in the ermergency room thursday because of a bad headche they did a cast can and told them about this symtoms i was having . but i for got to tell them that i was diagnosed with this dease last year. they gave me some muscle relaxsers calledcarisoprodol, and an in flamatory medicine calledindomethacin. what can i do? help

admin answers:

I might probably go back to the emergency room if I was feeling particularly unwell, though it is not really an emergency situation. They may give you a prescription for an anti-viral medication which will be more effective than what you have in treating the shingles, if you are indeed coming down with an attack of shingles. Generally they will not prescribe these meds until they are sure it is shingles, and that is usually only after the rash develops. It is rare for a person to have more than one episode of shingles in their lifetime.

However, you are seeing a doc on Tuesday, and even though it is a gynecologist, you can certainly ask about these symptoms and she what he/she days.

The information at these links may help you decide what to do. Take care.

Richard asks…

Please help, I had an episode of shingles once and I am so worried that THAT could happen again to me?

Can a second “attac” of singles happen to me? I remember my symptoms and lately I had felt them again… My face feels numb and tingles

admin answers:

Are you aware that they have a vaccine for shingles now? If you already have symptoms, it won’t stop you from coming down with it, but it will greatly lessen the duration of the disease and the pain. Please contact your doctor and ask him about receiving this vaccine – shingles is a miserable thing, isn’t it?

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The Difference Between Shingles and Cold Sores

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Joe Homps

The Difference Between Shingles and Cold Sores

Article by Joeseph Phillips







Herpes simplex is the virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes. The key symptoms are clusters of infected blisters which most often form around the mouth or nose, on the vulva, vagina and cervix in women and on the penis in men. Shingles is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus responsible for these conditions is called the Varicella zoster virus. After an individual has chickenpox, this virus lives in the nervous system and is never cleared all the way from the body. Anyone that has had chickenpox is at risk for the development of shingles, although it occurs most commonly in people over the age of 60.

The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted from person to person through physical contact with the blisters. Then the virus remains in the nervous system but does not develop into blisters unless you are ill, undernourished, under stress or are exposed to extreme temperatures. Localized stress such as sunburn or friction can also trigger an outbreak.

The herpes virus that causes shingles and chickenpox is not the same as the herpes virus that causes genital herpes and herpes mouth sores. Shingles is medically termed Herpes zoster. Shingles is contagious. Shingles can be spread from an affected person to children or adults who have never had chickenpox. But usually instead of developing shingles, these people develop chickenpox. Once they have had chickenpox, people cannot catch shingles from someone else. Once infected, people have the potential to develop shingles later in life. Shingles is contagious to people that have not had chickenpox. As long as there are new blisters forming and old blisters healing it is contagious. Once all of the blisters are crusted over, the virus can no longer be spread.

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About the Author

Joseph Phillips – Health article author specializing in men’s health issues. The author currently writes for a U.S. online drugstore – http://www.viamedic.com

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