Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Joe Homps

Betty asks…

Do I need to remove shingles on a valley end of a gable roof?

Hi,
I am building my new garage. It has a gable roof with a valley attaching to the existing roof. My question is when I frame the valley, and add the support for the rafters onto the main roof. Can I just place the support wood onto the roof without removing the shingles? Or should I remove them?

Thanks for your time.

pb4sc

admin answers:

I would remove them, otherwise,the old shingles will deteriorate with time, and allow play between the new,and old construction.Also.the asphalt in the old shingles could start to run in the new airless setting.Remember,this will be attic space,essentially,and temperatures will be much hotter than the outside of a roof.

Linda asks…

is it necessary to reroof a house with 2 layers of shingles or can they be removed & new shingles installed?

40 yr old house on L.I. NY contract want to remove old 3/8in. sheathing, replace with 1/2 in. Removing nails from old deck would weaken it not support new layer of 30 yr. arch. shingle??

admin answers:

You can always put new shingles over existing , they are usually easy to remove.
I would want to see what the sheeting was like under the existing. Will be a nicer looking roof with all new shingles and you can repair any of the sheeting as needed.

Steven asks…

what size beam would be needed to support a span 20′ hip style shingle roof for carport (south LA no snow)

note this is will be a carport so the 20′ span needs to be open (no center support)

admin answers:

5 1/2″ X 15 1/8″ X 20′ laminated beam should be sufficient. I’m building a house in south Louisiana and have a span of 22 1/2′ (under my carport) that is being supported with no center beam and this is what I have. The engineers were perfectly ok with it.

Lizzie asks…

Number of posts needed to support porch roof?

I would like to add 20 ft. partial porch (think craftsman style, a shingled half-wall instead of railings). How many columns are needed to support this span?

admin answers:

The number size & spacing of the suports depends entirely on the depth / strengh of the header spanning them.
Just as an example, have an open porch approx 40′ long & 8′ deep supported by 6, 4″x 4″x 8′ posts & the “header” is doubled up 2″x 8″ s w/ a max span of about 10′.
Told that each post is good for approx 1000 lbs .
The structure was OKd & takes into account expected snow loads.
The American Wood Council site has figures for beam sizes
for loads over length of span.
Going to need a permit, so you or contractor must submit a design to the building inspector & see if it meets local codes .
Best regards

Mary asks…

Uneasy about roofing with coated metal shingles over wood shake?

I am planning to place a steel shingle roof over a wood shake roof.
I will add a 1 1/2 inch insulation blanket with radiant foil in between the 2 by 2 supports.
Two questions.
Does leaving the shake under the steel make the roof more susceptible to fire
Should the foil on the insulation go up or down. If up it is touching the steel. If down it is a 1/2 inch above the shakes.

admin answers:

The foil should always face the out side, and I don’t believe you would be in any more danger of a fire them what you had already been.

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Signs and symptoms of Shingles Disorder

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Joe Homps

Signs and symptoms of Shingles Disorder

Shingles is known as a condition that’s identified by an unpleasant skin break outs pursued by blisters containing liquid. They may be resulting from Herpes Zoster that is certainly liable for chickenpox, a highly frequent condition in youngsters. Right after the chicken pox the herpes zoster virus remains to be inside the neural rootswithin the body which have been to blame for feelings. Re-occurence of this zoster virus can take place decades after normally as a consequence of certain factors such as pressure, cancers, AIDS, high temperature, body organ implant and many others. In the event the virus is active yet again that condition is known as shingles.

Signs and symptoms of Shingles

Usually there are some indicators which appear in this particular ways:

At the start the patient might feel indications comparable to flu virus, like migraine, a feeling of sickness, high temperature with chill. These kind of indicators normally develop earlier than skin allergy outbreak. That phase, often known as the Break outs Phase, is the perfect period to get started on the therapy and even manage the improving of the natural immunity. In case the signs or symptoms are noticed at this point you’ll find very good possibilities for that deseases to be decreased. Most commonly it is dealt with with anti-viral drug treatments. The particular break outs normally comes out several days following this point which is accompanied by various other indications or symptoms such as burning along with tingling sense, irritation along with burning painfulness.

At this point the liquid full blisters break out and are also quite aching. They normally occur the backside, hands, lower limbs or maybe the facial skin, and what’s far more fascinating they come about only on the left or the right side on the overall body. That phase, often known as the eruptive phase, could continue for two weeks. That phase can be quite transmittable plus the people experience ache and also itchiness. The good thing with this period will be to dress in loose-fitting outfits avoiding touch of just about anything to the outbreaks.

With this period called Post Neuralgia the affected individuals experience continual ache on the neural pathway exactly where the blisters were being found previously. The anguish might stay even though the particular blisters go away, however , anti-inflammatory treatments and also natural skin oils may help the people on their ailment.

You can find all information about Shingles symptoms and Shingles Diagnosis

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Symptoms & Signs of Shingles

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Joe Homps

Symptoms & Signs of Shingles

Article by Hal Woods







An individual showing signs and symptoms of shingles or herpes zoster cannot infect another individual. However, during the period when blisters develop, actual contact with the rash can transmit Varicella zoster virus (VZV) to a person who wasn’t previously exposed or infected to the virus and, therefore, has no immunity of the virus.

An individual who has just recently become infected will manifest and develop the signs of Varicella zoster virus infection or chickenpox, but will not develop shingles right away. The newly-infected person becomes extremely contagious until after the crusts have developed. The person is not contagious before the manifestation of blisters or during the episode of post-herpetic neuralgia. The person is not contagious after the disappearance of the rashes.Symptoms of Shingles

About the Disease

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles by the layman, is an acute infection resulting from the reactivation of the latent or inactive Varicella zoster virus (VZV), or chickenpox, that is often contracted during childhood. The Varicella zoster virus residing in the body lies dormant for several years or decades and then becomes activated during the adult years and is more severe in older age groups. Shingles is commonly characterized by the advancement of painful vesicular skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of spinal and cranial nerves affected by the virus.

Knowing the Earliest Signs and Symptoms

The earliest signs of shingles an infected individual may experience are fever, headache, and weakness or body malaise. These signs and symptoms are observations that cannot be exclusively diagnosed by the physician as herpes zoster infection since these are general manifestations that can also be observed with other forms of illness or infection. These arising general observations have the tendency to be misinterpreted or erroneously related to other types of diseases resulting in a wrong diagnosis.

In cases of wrong diagnoses there is a tendency for incorrect treatment, other than what would have been done with a diagnoses of shingles. The non-specific symptoms are then followed by experiences of itchiness, burning pain, hyperesthesia (oversensitivity), and/or paresthesias (numbing or pins and needles sensation).

The associated pain experienced by the infected person can be mild to severe in the affected dermatome, frequently accompanied by sensations such as stinging, aching, or numbing, and often replaced with rapid stabs of strikingly severe pain. On the other hand, children who have herpes zoster often experience no pain.



About the Author

Hal has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. He also writes about diet & nutrition. Come visit his latest website on butterbur for migraines treatment which gives people advice on how to use butterbur for migraines

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Natural Herbal Remedies for Treating Shingles Infection

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Joe Homps

Natural Herbal Remedies for Treating Shingles Infection

Article by A. Afolabi







Shingles is a very uncomfortable and often quite painful nerve infection caused by re-activation of the Herpes Zoster virus during adulthood if you had Chicken Pox as a child or received a vaccination for it.

Shingles cannot be cured with any drugs at present, but the symptoms can be treated to give relief

An alternative treatment to conventional medicine is homeopathy. To treat shingles, you need to find a herbal preparation that produces similar effects to those the Shingles infection causes (and there are many variations) and take the remedies in small and very dilute doses.

The good thing about homeopathic remedies is that because they are so dilute they are not dangerous to use and also do not interfere with western medical therapies. If however you experience a severe type of shingles such as shingles of the eye, you should always consult your doctor to avoid serious consequences.

How to use Homeopathic Remedies to treat Shingles

Many people turn to natural shingles remedies when conventional remedies fail to provide them with the relief they seek. In many cases they also work far more rapidly, safely and without the side effects of synthetic medicines.

Finding the best natural remedies is done in a completely different way from the way conventional medicine works i.e. you need to list the symptoms you are experiencing and match them up with a remedy that causes the same symptoms.

Next, try the remedy and if it does not work rapidly, change it to another remedy whose effects match your symptoms more closely.

Because these remedies are so diluted you cannot overdose on them and they don’t clash with other remedies.

There are however rules you need to follow to treat yourself effectively. The main ones to remember are that you need to ensure that your mouth is quite clean before and after you take your remedy; Avoid food and drink for at least an hour before or after your treatment. Don’t contaminate the remedy or even touch it directly.

If your shingles remedy doesn’t work it usually means you have not identified the correct one to use in which case you need to find another one that matches your symptoms better.

If available, homeopathic doctors are ideal for selecting the best shingles remedies for you.

One natural homeopathic shingles remedy you can use is Rhus Toxicodendron.

This is useful where the following Symptoms are observed:

Tiny, itchy and blisters form on the skin with a tingling effect. Symptoms worsen at night or during sleep. Suffering restlessness, depression, strange dreams and worry.Affected area looks and feels swollen.Using a warm compress brings relief but overheating worsens the condition.Moving about or a slight massage or rubbing eases the condition.Condition gets worse when lying on you back or right hand side.Symptoms improve during warm and dry weather.May suffer from a slight fever that makes the sufferer delirious.The scalp area may also be involved in this type of shingles.Very little relief is gained from scratching the affected areas.Sufferers are uncomfortable resting and prefer to be up and about most of the time.Rhus Toxicodendron may be used three or four times a day until improvement is seen.

If there is no improvement within a couple of days you should see your medical doctor or homeopath.

Visit us to find out more on remedies you can use if you have diifferent symptoms.




About the Author

Information on and remedies for Shingles Infection at http://www.naturalshinglesremedies.net

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Chicken Pox Home Remedies and Simple Tips for Varicella

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Joe Homps

Chicken Pox Home Remedies and Simple Tips for Varicella

A viral infection which is caused by a virus varicella-zoster, the same virus which causes chicken pox is known as shingles. Any person, who had chicken pox, is not cleared completely from the body.

It lives in the nervous system and after many years later the virus which had become dormant in the nerve tissue reactivates and result into shingles. Usually the person with weak immune system and between the age group of 60-80 years suffers from this problem. It is just like rash.

Read more on Chickenpox Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Treating Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox home remedy treatment can be achieved by using Vitamin E Oil. Rub the Vitamin E oil into the skin and watch for a healing effect. The marks left by chicken pox will slowly fade away by the use of Vitamin E oil.

Chicken Pox home remedy treatment can be achieved by using Herbal Tea. Herbal tea prepared by any of the following herbs has shown to be effective in treating chicken pox: basil, chamomile, lemon balm, and marigold. Add lemon, honey, or cinnamon into the tea. Drink several times a day

Chicken 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. Add half a cup of brown vinegar to a bath for best usage and results.

Chicken Pox home remedy treatment can be achieved by using Baking Soda. Baking Soda is a very popular home remedy used to control the itching resulting from chicken pox. Put baking soda into a glass of water. Sponge the child with some water so that the baking soda dries onto the skin.

All juice diet – Put the patient on an all juice diet for a couple of days. Give the patient plenty of raw fruit and veggie juices. Lemon juice is known to be one of the best juices to give the patient.

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.

Well-ventilated room – Keep the patient in a well-ventilated room. Be sure to keep the patient from any direct light.

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.

Oatmeal Bath Treatment for Chicken Pox

You can easily blend up or even mix oat meal until there is few clumps and add it to a warm bath. This will help dry out your skin and reduce itchiness. Sit within the bathtub for about 10-15 minutes.

Baking Soda Treatment

It is the same idea above. Simply add some baking soda into the bathtub inside warm water, and once more, soak your body for around 10-15 minutes.

Neem Leaves Treatment for Chicken Pox

You can aquire Neem Leaves at a food store or the local health foods store. You can easily mix these into a bath tub or even grind all of them up, but research demonstrates that they have a wonderful healing impact and will help get rid of this unwanted itchy rash.

Read more on Chickenpox Home Remedies and Health Disease and Home Remedies

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What’s Involved In Treating Shingles?

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Joe Homps

What’s Involved In Treating Shingles?

Article by Matthew Cullen







Roughly a third of Americans will get shingles at some point in their life. For older Americans who live up to age 85, the chances increase to 50%. The likelihood is greatest for people 65 and older and is triggered when the varicella zoster virus causes the dormant chickenpox virus to reactivate. The Centers of Disease Control recommend that people over the age of 60 receive the Zostavax inoculation to prevent health complications related to shingles. For 15% of all patients, the severe pain of shingles persists for a month or more. This excruciatingly painful condition is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

“Oftentimes patients are told that the rash will heal in two or three weeks anyway, and the pain will go away, so they’re not given something for the pain unless it’s excruciating,” explains Robert Dworkin, Ph.D. of Rochester. “But moderate pain can stop people from working, or enjoying their hobbies, and it can also make some people depressed or anxious.” Dworkin advocates getting early and aggressive treatment for shingles pain to prevent long-term effects.

Treatment for shingles pain can speed the healing of the painful rash, decrease the pain of the rash and make PHN less likely to occur. Within 72 hours of the rash’s appearance, doctors typically prescribe antivirals (like acyclovir) to combat the virus itself. Effective medicine for pain may include opioids (like morphine, codeine, oxycodone or fentanyl), anti-inflammatory medicine (like ibuprofen), anticonvulsants (like gabapentin or pregabalin) or anti-depressants (like amitriptyline or nortryptyline). The most common side effects of oral medication are drowsiness, nausea and constipation.

If it isn’t treated, patients increase their danger of experiencing chronic pain that may continue for months or even a year after the first outbreak. This occurs because the nerves often get damaged when the reactivated herpes zoster virus travels throughout the system.

A recent study discovered that a new surgical operation can provide pain management for those who suffer from PHN. In a short procedure, surgeons implanted a small pump system under the skin in the abdomen, with a narrow tube inserted into the spine to dispense pain relieving medicine such as morphine. This treatment led to a significant improvement in pain, and no negative reactions were reported.

Seventy-five is the average age of candidates for the pain pump treatment for shingles, and the patients who benefit most are those who cannot be helped by oral pain medication. Some patients respond to opioid medications but suffer severe nausea and debilitating drowsiness with the oral method, whereas there have been no side effects from the pump. It is, however, a surgical, invasive procedure, so patients should consider other options before receiving this type of medication treatment.



About the Author

Shingles disease looks a lot like chickenpox except it usually follows a nerve cluster. So you will notice that it looks to be in an odd pattern on the skin. The skin will be very red and will have blisters. You can even get shingles in the eye!

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Some Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Joe Homps

Some Symptoms of Kidney Stones

For strange reasons, the number of people in the United States with kidney sand has been increasing over the previous 30 living. In the deceased 1970s, less than 4 percent of the population had mineral-forming disease. By the early 1990s, the portion of the population with the disease had enlarged to more than 5 percent. Caucasians are more prone to widen kidney pebbles than African Americans. Stones strike more frequently in men. The prevalence of kidney sand rises dramatically as men enter their 40s and continues to advance into their 70s. For women, the prevalence of kidney shingle peaks in their 50s. Once a role gets more than one limestone, other gravel are expected to expand.

Types of kidney shingle

Calcium pebbles: Calcium sand are the most public enter of shingle. Calcium is a customary part of a vigorous diet and is worn by bones and muscles. Calcium not used by the body goes to the kidneys where it is routinely flushed out with the relax of the urine. In some people, however, the calcium that stays behind joins with other bare food to form a pebble.

Struvite pebbles: Struvite pebbles are a mode of pebble that contains the mineral magnesium and the unwanted effect ammonia. It may form after an infection in the urinary scheme.

Uric acid pebbles: Uric acid pebbles may form when there is too much acid in the urine.

Cystine sand: Cystine shingle consist of cystine, one of the house blocks that make up muscles, nerves, and other parts of the body, can physique up in the urine and form a seed. Cystine sand are underdone. The disease that causes cystine pebbles (cystinosis) runs in families.

Symptom of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones often do not instigate any symptoms. Usually, the first symptom of a kidney gemstone is zealous torture, which begins swiftly when the kernel moves in the urinary treatise and blocks the pour of urine. Typically, a being felt a brusque, cramping menace in the back and part in the corner of the kidney or in the worse abdomen. Sometimes nausea and sickness occur. Later, sorrow may spread to the groin.

When a tubular form is blocked in the body, ache is generated in waves as the body tries to unclog the obstruction. These waves of sorrow are called colic.

Blood may be evident in the urine because the pelt has irritated the ureter. Blood in the urine, however, does not forever mean the qualities has a kidney sandstone. There may be other reasons for the blood, including kidney and bladder infections, suffering, or tumors. Urinalysis with a microscope may uncover blood even if it is not appreciated by the naked eye. Sometimes, if the stone causes has done obstruction, there may be no blood in the urine because it cannot get previous the stone.

Other Symptom of kidney stones

The next are the most usual symptoms of kidney stones. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may enter:

Extreme, distinct bind in the back or region that will not go away Blood in the urine Nausea and vomiting Cloudy or fragrant urine Frequent urination A burning intuition when you urinate Fever and chills Prompt checkup notice for kidney stones is vital.

The symptoms of kidney stones may resemble other conditions or health evils. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Information on lung cancer symptoms can be found at the Lung Cancer Facts site.

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Treatment for Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Joe Homps

Treatment for Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

Article by Dan Rand







Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is a type of herpes zoster that is manifested through the presence of painful rashes with blisters. It is found around the eye on either side and sometimes, if left untreated, will cause an infection that can jeopardize the eye itself. This is an alarming case that needs to be treated as soon as possible as there is a potential for blindness.

Importance of Treatment

Treatment is, indeed, necessary in order to preserve the health of the infected person. The problem should be thoroughly analyzed so that possible solutions can be formulated.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is a viral skin infection caused by herpes zoster or Varicella zoster virus which, for the information of everyone, is the same etiologic agent that can cause chickenpox.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus are painful rashes with blisters, pain in the affected eye, itching and a tingling sensation in the affected eye, and conjunctivitis. Complications include keratitis, uveitis, ulceration, and loss of vision. The main problem is the virus itself causes discomfort for the infected person. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is considered as an emergency case and the infected person should be referred immediately to an ophthalmologist so that complications can be prevented.

Purposes of Treatment

The purposes of the treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus are to manage the virus, manage the pain, and prevent further complication. These include the prescription of analgesics, antivirals, and steroids.

What is an Analgesic?

An analgesic is used to manage pain. “Over the counter analgesics” can be given to infected persons suffering from mild to moderate pain. The rashes or blisters are very irritating to the patient which is why topical lotions with calamine are often used to soothe the skin discomfort.

About Calamine and Other Treatments

Calamine has a mixture of zinc oxide and iron oxide which has a therapeutic and antiseptic action in order to prevent any infection that may be caused from scratching the affected area. It is an anti-pruritic medication to treat mild pruritic conditions, such as chickenpox, eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, rashes, sunburn and stings, and acts as an astringent to dry weeping blisters and acne abscesses.

Capsaicin cream or Zostrix is prescribed once the lesions have crusted over. Opioid medications, such as morphine, are prescribed to infected persons suffering from severe pain. Topical Lidocaine and other nerve blocks can be also used to reduce pain.

Using Antivirals

An antiviral is used to manage the viral infection. It inhibits the proliferation of Varicella zoster or herpes zoster virus as well as reduces the severity and duration of herpes zoster. Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are the oral antiviral medications prescribed.

Acyclovir is the most common antiviral drug being used not just for the treatment of herpes zoster or shingles, but also for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, and is given 800 mg 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days.

Valacyclovir is used for both herpes zoster and herpes simplex and is given 1g 3 times a day for 7 days. Famciclovir is used to treat different herpes virus infections, but it is common for herpes zoster which is given 500mg 3 times a day for 7 days.

Using Steroids

Steroids, mainly corticosteroids, are used to manage inflammation as well as pain. Topical corticosteroids, like prednisone, are required for conjunctivitis, keratitis, and/or uveitis. However, the use of oral corticosteroids in high doses and in a brief course, which was tested to patients over 50 years of age and had a normal immune response, still remains controversial.

How to Treat Complications

The following are the specific ophthalmic complications related to herpes zoster ophthalmicus and the specific treatment regimen which is prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Conjunctivitis can be managed by a cool compress, topical lubrication, and topical antibiotics. Topical steroids are used for stomal keratitis. Neurotrophic keratitis can be managed by topical lubrication, topical antibiotics, and tissue adhesives as well as protective contact lenses for corneal perforation prevention.

Topical steroids, oral steroids, oral acyclovir, and cycloplegics are used for uveitis. Scleritis or episcleritis can be managed by topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or topical steroids. Intravenous acyclovir for 7 to 10 days followed by oral acyclovir for 14 weeks, and laser or surgical intervention are use to manage acute retinal necrosis or progressive outer retinal necrosis.

In summary, the treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus depends on its severity. The earlier the intervention is given the better it is managed.



About the Author

Hal has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. He also writes about diet & nutrition. Come visit his latest website on lavender flower which gives people information on the lavender flower uses

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Valtrex: A Medication against Herpes Disease

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Joe Homps

Valtrex: A Medication against Herpes Disease

Article by Mike Bordon







Valtrex is one of the brands of Valacyclovir. Another brand of the medication is Zelitrex. Valtrex is an anti viral drug that is used to treat herpes disease. Herpes infections are known to be contagious. This drug does not cure the disease but will hamper the growth of the herpes virus and helps the body fight off the infection. This drug actually works to lessen the symptoms of the disease. The common problems that are caused by he herpes viruses are genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox. Valtrex may also be used as a treatment for the cold sores that occur in children and adults above 12 years of age. Chicken pox in children above 2 years of age can also be treated with this medication.

Patients with HIV AIDS, kidney related problems and a weak immune system are prevented from using this medication. It is possible for the herpes disease to pass from the mother to the child. Special care needs to be taken by those who are pregnant. It is better to identify the illness in the beginning stage. It has been advised to stop using the medicine if any kind of side effects occur.

Some of the side effects caused by Valtrex can affect the red blood cells in the body. The serious side effects include fever, easy bruising and bleeding, appearance of red spots on the skin, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, pale and yellow skin, problems with urinating, loss of appetite, drowsiness, mood swings, seizure and problems with speech and vision. These side effects are to be treated immediately to avoid further troubles.

The medication has to be started as soon as the symptoms of herpes occur. The medication has to be taken along with a glass of water and it is necessary to drink plenty of water. This will help the kidney to work efficiently. Valtrex can be taken with or without food. It is necessary to follow the directions specified by the doctor for better results.

Valtrex is a well known drug and at the same time it is widely considered as the best option for most of the strange diseases that you might come along. It is always advised to buy these drugs at Online Pharmacy, as you can save a lot of time and money. You can click here to Buy Valtrex.



About the Author

The author is a renowned SEO professional and author of many articles and e-books. Presently he is working as the editor of spotwriters. He is currently providing article writing service for many SEO firms.

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Shingles Rash – Symptoms and Treatment

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles Rash – Symptoms and Treatment

Shingles rash is a skin inflammation caused by varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once an individual has had chickenpox, traces of the virus remain dormant in the nervous system and are never completely cleared from the body. Later on, certain conditions such as emotional stress, immune deficiency from AIDS or chemotherapy, or cancer may reactivate the virus and cause shingles. Adults over the age of 60 are more susceptible to shingles rash.

Symptoms of Shingles Rash

It is estimated that up to a million cases of shingles occur every year in the U.S. Before the rash becomes visible, the patient may experience several days of burning pain and sensitive skin. At this point, determining the cause of the pain may be difficult. Symptoms of shingles rash depend on the type of nerve affected by the virus. Although it is caused by chickenpox virus, the rash is different from chickenpox rash. Chickenpox affects most areas of the body, while shingles rash affects a specific area of the skin, usually occurring as a band on one side of the body. The rash usually forms on the chest, back and face.

A rash from shingles appears as small blisters on a red base over a period of three to five days. Clusters of fluid-filled blisters form progressively. After a few days, the blisters pop and ooze fluid. They eventually dry out, form a crust, and start to heal. It usually takes about 30 days from start to finish for the blisters to heal, leaving behind scars and skin discoloration.

Patients may also suffer from headache, chills, abdominal pain and increased fatigue. In rare cases, a fever may accompany the rash. Also, the pain may continue even after the rash disappears.

Treatment of Shingles Rash

Antiviral drugs and steroids can help manage the pain, severity and duration of the symptoms if they are started early, within 72 hours of the first appearance of the rash. Effective treatments for shingles rash include the antiviral drugs famciclovir (Famvir), acyclovir (Zovirax), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and narcotic pain control medication may also be administered for pain management.

People over the age of 60 can have themselves vaccinated to reduce the occurrence and severity of shingles.

The primary goal in the treatment of shingles rash is to shorten the duration of the rash, speed up the healing process, manage the pain, and reduce the risk of complications. The affected area must be kept clean and dry, and bathing is permitted. Cool compresses and calamine lotion may also be used to control the itch.

 

Are shingles contagious? Find out the answer to this question and learn more about the best shingles treatment by visiting our website today!

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