Is There A Possibility Of The Shingles Returning?

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Joe Homps

Is There A Possibility Of The Shingles Returning?

Question:

In December 2003, on holiday abroad, I suffered a severe attack of shingles, which covered my neck, head, back, shoulder, arm, face and chest on my right side. My doctor at home told me the shingles had attacked two parts of my nervous system, when it usually only attacks one. I took my several months to recover: my neck was painful and my right arm had a constant painful ache like hitting yourself with a hammer. It was also weak for about five months. Now those symptoms have returned. Is this still the effect of the original illness or is there a possibility of the shingles returning? And can you tell me what I can do to alleviate it please?

Answer:

Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster or V-Z virus, which is the same as the chickenpox virus: varicella is chickenpox. Shingles, or zoster, appears in people who have previously had chickenpox. The initial infection produces chickenpox, a common and usually mild disease of childhood where watery eruptions on the skin are  preceded by sore throat and bronchitis. The virus then gets lodged in the body in ganglia, collections of nerve cells outside the spinal cord, located a long the spinal column the spinal cord. Once there, it goes into a period of hibernation, taking the minimal nutrition it needs from the nerve cells. It can lie dormant for decades   without showing any symptoms or discomfort whatsoever.

Years later, when  immunity to the virus is lost or the immune system is weakened by illness or age, the viral cells can multiply rapidly and spread down a nerve and nerve branches until they reach the skin surface. That is shingles, which causes degenerative changes in the skin similar to chickenpox, and can be extremely painful. The watery blisters become cloudy as white blood cells accumulate and the debris from destroyed skin is deposited. The only good thing is that when the blisters burst and dry, the hard crusts peel off without leaving a mark in the majority of cases.( The reason this virus leaves no long term scaring in most people is because the infection is restricted to the skin surface, unlike smallpox now eradicated- which attacked deeper layers of skin and left indented scars in survivors.) Generally, as your doctor says, only one nerve and its branches are involved, most frequently the one in the middle of the trunk. The nerves in face and neck are less commonly involved.

In your case, the branches of the nerves that feed the shoulder, arm and hands are also involved. I suspect that after your initial infection, the virus must have lodged in multiple ganglia including the neck area. The nerves involved are usually sensory which is why you gel all sorts of sensations such as burning, pain, tingling and itching and the area of the skin feels very sensitive to touch. On rare occasions, motor nerves (those responsible for voluntary movement are involved and sufferers may experience weakness or loss of power in the arm, as you report. Even when the skin eruptions are completely gone, the pain and discomfort may continue for weeks or years, depending on the damage the virus causes as it moves a long the nerve. The more severe the attack, the longer the symptoms persist. Once the pain and burning subsides, however, you can be assured that the attack is over. In your else, the return of the pain in your neck and right arm could be nerve pain caused by problems in that area. Here are some suggestions. In the initial stages of an attack, antiviral drugs are useful which your doctor will prescribe.

At your stage, I would tend to focus on supporting the immune system and treating the neck and upper back. 

*Avoid yeast products, coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, canned products, excess sugar … Make sure you sleep well to replenish your energy stores: take 1 tablet of Brento at night for one month to relax and get into the habit of good sleep. 

* Boost your immune system-with one tablespoonful of Bioprash in a little milk with some Manuka Honey, daily for three months. 

* Take one 15 mg tablet of zinc citrate daily for two months….Take a multivitamin and mineral daily for two month!. 

* Give yourself a neck and shoulder massage twice weekly for two months: see my website for details which you can download freely, or look in Therapeutic Yoga, the book I co-wrote with Jiwan Brar or have professional massage sessions.

* Book in for acupuncture or homeopathy with an appropriately trained and qualified practitioner. These sessions will reduce the burning pain and tingling in the arm. Your GP may be able to recommend good local practitioners; in some cases they are attached to surgeries…

I have obtained MD in General Medicine with Honours in 1980 and joined The Central Institute of Advanced Medical Studies in Moscow for post graduation in Acupuncture. I have completed diploma courses in Acupuncture, Anesthesia, Iridology, Hypnotherapy and Clinical Fasting. Practicing as Integrated Medicine expert.

Visit my health shop – http//www.drmalishop.com

121 Crawford Street, London, W1U 6BE

Posted in Symptoms of Shingles | Leave a comment

Treatment Of Shingles – All You Need To Know

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Joe Homps

Treatment Of Shingles – All You Need To Know

Article by Patrick Kolbow







There are various medications used in the treatment of shingles. Shingles or herpes zoster is caused by the recurrence of the virus that causes chicken pox. This virus is known as the varicella virus. It lays dormant after a person has contracted chicken pox. It becomes active once again when a person has a weak immune system especially those who are 50 and above, stressed and suffers from an autoimmune disease. This reactivation may result to an attack of shingles.

You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you think that you have shingles. Treatment of shingles is deemed best if done immediately. Recently, doctors have recommended that a person suffering from shingles must take antiviral medications within 72 hours upon the onset of the rashes or lesions.

Initial Treatment

Local relief measures are initiated in order to alleviate the pain and discomfort. The primary goal is to soothe sensitive areas of the skin by preventing clothes from rubbing and irritating the affected area especially the skin lesions. Cool compresses with aluminum acetate or Burow’s solution are used to provide relief. Try applying cool compresses to blisters for 20 minutes. This helps to remove scabs and decreases potential for bacterial infection. Remember to keep the area clean also using mild soap and water.

Aside from basic relief measures, medications are of utmost importance. Medications against the virus, or an antiviral are primarily used for shingles attack. Antiviral helps reduce inflammation and pain during a shingles attack. It is very helpful in preventing complications like postherpetic neuralgia. This complication is characterized by extreme pain in areas affected even after the lesions and rashes are gone. Together with an antiviral, pain medications are used as well.

Treatment for Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia is a common complication of shingles. It occurs to 10 to 15 percent of people who have had an attack of shingles. In postherpetic neuralgia, pain due to nerve damage persists even after several months of treatment and the lesions have healed. It may even last for years.

Medications used in the treatment of this complication include the following:

– Topical formulations of corticosteroids- used to treat the inflammation and pain

– Local anesthetic agents like lidocaine an prilocaine to block nerve transmission

– Combination of anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs are used as well to prevent the release of chemicals and damage to the nerves that causes postherpetic pain

– Another treatment medication used is a topical cream that has an ingredient called capsaicin. It has been proven to aid in pain relief. But the use of capsaicin may have adverse effects since it may contribute to nerve damage and more pain.

Treatment for Other Conditions

When herpetic rash or lesions appear on the forehead, nose, and cheeks and around the eye, you must immediately see an ophthalmologist. Treatment includes, the use of antiviral medications, cool compresses and appropriate rest.

Treatment of shingles must be started right away to prevent further complications and to speed up the healing process.



About the Author

Get more information and find out the best treatment of shingles at http://treatmentofshingles.net.

Posted in Medications For Shingles | Leave a comment

Learn More On the subject of The Casues, Symptoms and Treatment of Shingles Ache

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Joe Homps

Learn More On the subject of The Casues, Symptoms and Treatment of Shingles Ache

One hardly ever equates decrease back pain with herpes zoster or shingles. Nevertheless, when there are wounds within the lumbar area introduced on by this infectious disease, intense and debilitating ache is certain to be experienced. This downside is called Postherpetic Neuralgia, and the ache brought on from this situation is known as Shingles Pain.

What is Herpes Zoster?

A contagious illness, herpes zoster is introduced on by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VCV). In patients who have experienced chickenpox when they were young, the virus would infect the dorsal root ganglia of the nerves where it could stay in a latent state. Shingles will happen when this dormant virus is activated by some unknown process. Whereas herpes zoster could appear at all ages, it mostly spotted in adults and notably within the elderly.

Indicators and Symptoms of Herpes Zoster

Within the dermatome of the skin, vesicular eruptions will develop, just like chickenpox but without the rash, and these will develop unilaterally or on one side. Nevertheless, unlike chickenpox which is itchy, the wounds of herpes zoster are excruciatingly agonizing, usually as a consequence of they comply with the nerve branches throughout the dermatome. Dermatome areas which can be incessantly related in shingles are T-3 to L-3 and the lower back. Very often, even before the lesions turn up after 48 to seventy two hours, pain will be skilled inside the dermatome because the situation begins to occur. The pain at this stage is named Acute Neuritis.

Though timeframe of the illness is between 7 to 10 days, it could take as long as 2 to four weeks earlier than the skin returns to regular well being and pain disappears.

How Shingles Ache Develops

From Acute Neuritis to Postherpetic Neuralgia. After a number of months or years that the illness has been resolved, 50% situations of herpes zoster sufferers, who’re 50 years old and above, can manifest this illness yet again. That is known as Postherpetic Neuralgia.

Fairly rare in younger age groups, postherpetic neuralgia is the most insufferable complication of herpes zoster and it might manifest in each normal and immunocompromised people. This problem is essentially an ailment of the elderly. Hypesthesia and hyperesthesia, which are the decrease and irregular increase of sensitivity to sensory stimuli, respectively, may additionally be skilled in the broken dermatome, other than the severe insufferable pain.

Learn how to Treat Shingles Ache

Initially of the ailment, famciclover, a drugs of selection for herpes zoster, is offered to forestall additional issues of postherpetic neuralgia.

It may be very troublesome to handle an affected person experiencing postherpetic neuralgia. For some sufferers, non-prescription NSAIDs will help reduce the issue whereas for others harder narcotic varieties utilized in collaboration with tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and fluphenazine are wanted to reduce the situation. Cautious affected person monitoring is important though to protect towards drug reliance.

Pain relief for 4 to 12 hours could also be given with the applying of lidocaine skin patches. Not only will it ease acute neuritis, corticosteroids may additionally be used to protect towards the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia. Made by Merck, the vaccine Zostavax isn’t only efficient for shingles however it will possibly additionally defend towards postherpetic neuralgia. It is best to administer Zostavax to individuals above the age of 60.

Presently, when it comes to shingles, there are such a lot of remedy choices out there. When a worthwhile remedy is seen, it might provide profound alleviation for shingles pain for the remainder of their lives.

Be taught more about shingles treatment Here and also information on shingles symptoms

Posted in Symptoms of Shingles | Leave a comment

Shingles and Pregnancy – What You Need To Know

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles and Pregnancy – What You Need To Know

Article by Patrick Kolbow







Pregnancy is always a time when a woman should be extra careful with her health and well being. This is because sickness or getting exposed to diseases during pregnancy may harm both the mother and the unborn child. It is no wonder then that some women are naturally concerned over shingles and pregnancy.

Shingles and Pregnancy

Medical advice seems to vary on the degree of caution that pregnant women should exercise when they are around people with shingles. Shingles and pregnancy do not often occur together unless a pregnant woman has had chicken pox before and has a severely weakened immune system. Even then shingles and pregnancy do not often happen at the same time.

It is also a fact that pregnant women who have had chicken pox before are immune to the shingles virus so there is no danger of chicken pox or shingles and pregnancy happening together. Even those however who have not had chicken pox in the past cannot get infected with the shingles and chicken pox virus just by being around someone with shingles. A pregnant woman without a prior infection of chickenpox can only be infected with the virus and get chicken pox through direct contact with fresh shingles blisters.

Chicken Pox, Shingles and Pregnancy

Shingles and pregnancy does not seem to be as alarming as chicken pox and pregnancy. This is because shingles is not dangerous if one has only had casual contact with a person with shingles. Chicken pox on the other hand can be transmitted even through casual contact or being around the same room as someone with chicken pox. This means that a pregnant woman who has not had chicken pox and has not been vaccinated against chicken pox has a high risk of getting the disease from an infected individual.

Chicken Pox During Pregnancy

Although shingles and pregnancy happening at the same time is not a frequent occurrence, some pregnant women have been known to have chicken pox. It is actually possible to recover from chicken pox while pregnant. It is also possible to deliver a normal baby even if the mother has been sick with chicken pox. There have been cases however when chicken pox can result in health complications for both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women who are sick with chicken pox may develop pneumonia or encephalitis. Babies too may be born with some abnormalities. Chicken pox during pregnancy is therefore dangerous.

What You Should Do

The effects of the chicken pox virus on an unborn child may be most critical if a pregnant woman is within 3-5 months pregnant. A pregnant woman who has never had chicken pox and who comes in contact with a person with chicken pox or singles should see a doctor as soon as possible, preferably before you develop chicken pox or within the day you see initial signs of chicken pox. Depending on the severity of your illness and the term of your pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication or medicines that can suppress the virus.



About the Author

Do you want to find out more about shingles and pregnancy? You can find more information at http://treatmentofshingles.net.

Posted in Medications For Shingles | Leave a comment

Natural Treatments for Shingles – Home Remedies and Cures

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Joe Homps

Natural Treatments for Shingles – Home Remedies and Cures

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. The virus of shingles also reactivates due to emotional stress, immune deficiency like chemotherapy or AIDS, any person suffering from cancer. The exact cause in many cases is yet to be found but the person suffering from chickenpox is at higher risk. Medically shingle is termed as Herpes zoster.

Some of the important symptoms of shingles are severe burning pain, sensitive skin, rash with small blisters with red base. Usually it takes three to four weeks from start to finish but sometimes a person may feel pain occasionally even if the blister is present or not.

Shingles is contagious also. It can be spread from affected person to adults or children. But instead of developing shingles they develop chickenpox.

Besides giving natural treatments it is also necessary to consult physician as soon as possible in order to reduce the complications or shorten the infection if you think you are suffering from shingles. You must consult immediately some physician if rash appears near the area of eye because it may result into permanent or temporary loss of vision. Some of the natural treatments for shingles:

1. Pancreas produces proteolytic enzymes which are naturally produced and help in the digestion of protein we eat. These enzymes are also available in certain foods like pineapple, papaya and it is also available from animal pancreas. Supplements derived from these things are available in some grocery, drug stores, in health food stores and can be found online. There are some side effects also with these enzymes like digestive upset and allergic reactions.

2. The area affected by shingles must be kept clean and dry.

3. Pain caused due to shingles may be reduced by applying wet, cool compresses.

4. It is very necessary for the patient suffering from shingles to take plenty of rest.

5. Acupuncture is also very helpful to overcome from this problem of shingles.

6. Application of peppermint oil or geranium oil over the affected area regularly may reduce the problem of shingles.

Read useful Home Remedies for Shingles. Know about Nocturnal Emission Treatment to treat nightfall. Also get Natural Cure for Wet Dream, Spermatorrhea.

Posted in Treatments for Shingles | Leave a comment

Introduction to Shingles (Herpes zoster) – Is It Contagious?

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Joe Homps

Introduction to Shingles (Herpes zoster) – Is It Contagious?

Shingles (Herpes zoster) is a viral infection that develops in people who have had chickenpox in the past.  It can come about when you have been subjected to prolonged emotional distress, an immune system disorder such as HIV/AIDS, or taking chemotherapy treatments.  Anti rejection drugs can also cause a shingles outbreak, because these drugs must suppress the immune system to avoid rejecting a transplanted organ.

Shingles may start out as a low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms.  The fever can be followed by pain or itchy areas on the skin, then a red rash appears within five days.  The rash turns into painful blisters that begin to leak a clear fluid that crust over then heals. 

Is Shingles Contagious?

Shingles is not contagious, but the virus that causes it is.  The zoster virus spreads by coming in contact with a person with an active zoster infection.  You won’t get shingles, but you may get chickenpox if you’ve never had it before.   Varicella and herpes zoster are caused by the same virus, varicella zoster.  Anyone who has a prior history of chickenpox before can get shingles, but is mostly seen in people who are 60 years old or older.

A main reason the virus kicks back up again is due to emotional stress, which when prolonged will have an affect on the immune system, thus reactivating a virus that has been dormant in the body for years, resulting in a shingles infection.

Who is at risk?

A woman who is pregnant should avoid at all costs anyone showing to have an active shingles infection.  If she has no history of chickenpox, the virus being shed can be passed to her, and ultimately her unborn baby.  Should the expectant mother be exposed to the shingles virus, she could develop chickenpox herself, and her baby could be born already having chickenpox. 

People who are in good health and have immunity to varicella are not in danger of the zoster virus. You are immune if you’ve been vaccinated against chickenpox or already had a chickenpox infection before.  An active shingles infection is contagious to those with no prior history of varicella.

Prevention:

To prevent infection, it is advised to get vaccinated.  Presently, Zostavax has been approved for our senior population.  Zostavax is a one-time chickenpox booster injection and helps to prevent getting shingles and its complications.  It is advised to get the chickenpox vaccination if you have never had one, or if you have never had chickenpox before.

Always contact your health care provider if you are having symptoms of chickenpox or shingles infection.  The older you are with either of these conditions, the more painful it is.

Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who is passionate about writing and sharing her knowledge. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where she shares about Shingles Treatment and Shingles Prevention Postherpetic Neuralgia.

Posted in Symptoms of Shingles | Leave a comment

Treating Shingles at Home

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Joe Homps

Treating Shingles at Home

Shingles is commonly seen in elderly people, but on occasion it is detected among young people too. It comes from the same virus varicella-zoster, which gave us chicken-pox. If proper care is not taken you may loose your eyesight or even suffer from facial paralysis. Shingles are also known as herpes zoster which spreads through your skin in the form of a rash or blister similar to chicken-pox. It is associated with grueling pain, itchiness, burning sensation and sometimes even numbness.

Before the rash appears you develop pain and tenderness on a particular area of your body. It may sometime take more than a week before the rash appears. You develop red spots before it erupts into blisters. Shingles develops on one side of your body (left or right) due to a particular nerve which causes this development. It also affects other parts of your body like heads and limbs. When it affects your cheek it would surely affect your eyes, be extra careful during such times and consult your doctor immediately.

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. People who are getting organ transplants are also under threat as doctors suppress the immune system with drugs.

Home Remedies For Shingles

Powder two aspirin tablets and mix it in 2 tbsp of chloroform or alcohol. Apply this paste on the affected area. This will provide good relief.

You can apply wet dressing to soothe the burning sensation

Avoid being in humid areas. Always keep yourself cool.

When blisters get infected, dab them with hydrogen peroxide.

Keep the blisters open and dry. Do not burst the blisters by scratching.

To provide relief, make a solution by mixing 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water. Use a cotton cloth to moisten the affected areas by using the upward movement.

To prevent itching and to reduce pain you can dust colloidal powder.

You can make a solution by mixing aloe vera gel, raw honey and leek juice to be applied on the rash.

You can also sponge the blisters or rashes by use of vitamin E oil, apple cider vinegar, cool goldenseal, mugwort or peppermint tea.

Baking soda and water solution can also be applied as a cold compress.

Apply a mixture of yogurt and zinc oxide along the particular path of the nerve. If it is applied before the outbreak it would help to curb the outburst of blisters.

Avoid food which contain amino acid such as chocolate, cereal grains, nuts and seeds

Eating pear of having its juice in ample amounts is good, as it has a great supply of antiviral caffeic acid.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Visit the Nail Care Tips website to learn about cracked nails and cutting dogs nails

.

Posted in Natural Remedies for Shingles | Leave a comment

Treating Shingles The Natural Way

Posted on May 8, 2011 by Joe Homps

Treating Shingles The Natural Way

In the past ten years recent studies and research with alternative treatments for shingles has shown it is possible to recover in less than one week and to reduce outbreaks of lesions and pain in three days.

Shingles is a serious health condition and it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Traditionally, most doctors prescribe painkillers for the temporary symptomatic relief of the pain and an antiviral drug to suppress the virus. This form of treatment with drugs reduces the severity and frequency of outbreaks but does not eliminate it from the body. This course of treatment can take six weeks or more and does very little for the patient. The pain associated with shingles can continue long after the initial outbreak.

Some doctors prescribe steroids or itch-relieving creams that contain steroids. Recent studies question the effectiveness of steroids in relieving shingles and suggest avoiding any treatment with steroids. Monitoring by your doctor is recommended, if steroids have been prescribed. It is best to find alternative treatments with your doctor and to seek out natural remedies.

The virus herpes zoster causes shingles and is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles is an infection of the central nervous system and may affect the elderly, those with a compromised immune system, anyone under severe stress or those who have been exposed to the chickenpox virus again. Symptoms may include burning, itching, or pain in one part of the body. A few days later, blisters and a rash appear. The infection may run along a nerve path and look like a branch of a tree. Shingles usually appear on the trunk area and the chest but can also be found on the face. Shingles can cause blindness if it affects the eyes. If an outbreak occurs on the face the patient should get immediate medical care.

Natural Remedies For Shingles

A good starting point for treating shingles is a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables. A good diet and reducing daily stress will help boost your immune system

A simple remedy for lesions is to apply a cool or cold wet washcloth or towel to the affected area. A wet towel can be put into the freezer for a while after wetting it to make it colder.

Eliminate sugar from your diet and add these important nutrients to your daily diet – vitamin E, vitamin B12 and vitamin C.

* Vitamin C is suggested with an initial diagnosis of shingles. You may start with 1,000 mg. (+)

* Vitamin E taken daily before meals may reduce the pain of shingles (Study published in the Archives of Dermatology) (+)

* Vitamin B12 injections may reduce the pain of shingles (Study published in the Journal Geriatrics) (+)

(+) It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before starting any vitamin program.

* E capsules can be squeezed directly onto lesions.

* Avoid heat as well as tight clothes and itchy fabrics like wool.

* Calamine lotion may relieve the pain and help dry the lesions.

Shingles is a serious illness and before starting any treatment program you should consult with your doctor. Shingles is the same virus as chicken pox. You cannot catch shingles from someone else unless you’ve never had chicken pox. If you have shingles you should use caution being around pregnant women who have not had chicken pox – you could infect both the woman and her unborn baby.

Find tips about ear popping, flea bites on humans and other information at the Health And Nutrition Tips website.

Posted in Natural Remedies for Shingles | Leave a comment

The Dreadful Shingles Contagious Disease At Its Worst

Posted on May 8, 2011 by Joe Homps

The Dreadful Shingles Contagious Disease At Its Worst

Shingles is a disease which has been spreading it ugly claws over the world in a silent but dangerous manner. The disease is colloquially referred to as Herpes Zoster or simply Zoster. The main impact of shingles is that it leads to development of painful blisters all over the skin of the patient. Shingles contagious disease is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox but the two ailments are much different. This virus is referred to as Varicella Zoster Virus(VZV) and is known to cause Shingles in people who had contracted chicken pox in the childhood.

What happens is that even after the chicken pox is gone, a small strain of the VZV still remains in the body. As long as the immune system of the person remains healthy, the virus does nothing but just sit there and bid its time. With the passage of time as the body ages and immunity weakens, the virus strikes again, this time with shingles contagious disease. Shingles attacks the nervous system of the patient.

Common symptoms of Shingles:

The very first symptom of Shingles is a low grade fever. This fever can last up to six days. Along with the fever, the patient would experience headaches., high degree of fatigue, chills and problems with the digestive systems. The problem here is that even the bet of physicians may misdiagnose the disease as the flu. It is not until the small and painful blisters develop on the on the skin that Shingles is recognized as the culprit. The blisters may be anywhere between the spine and the chest.

The main threat of Shingles:

Every single illness needs to be treated and some need proper and immediate treatment. Shingles is one such disease.It will directly attack the nervous system of the patient, thus leading to a number of other problems along with the very painful blisters that it causes by itself. It is a must that proper and swift treatment be done to make sure that Shingles does not become a terminal illness or lead to one.

Who are the most prone to Shingles:

All the people who have ever had chicken pox ever in their lifetime are suspect to fall victims to shingles contagious disease. In most of the cases, the starts raising its ugly head as people cross the age of 50. Since the disease is able to come up because of a weakened immune system, it is also known to impact people who have immunity issues like those suffering from HIV/AIDS . The disease is also know to hit people taking immunosuppressive drugs.

Precautions related to Shingles:

The dreadful shingles contagious disease that it is requires that the patient take a number of precautions in order to protect those around him it is a must to keep the sores or blisters covered all the time. They should not be touched unless with proper medical care and supervision . The rashes and blisters must also be protected from direct sunlight and harsh chemicals.

Is shingles contagious? Visit ShinglesContagious(dot)org now to know what causes shingles. Treat your shingles starting by now!

Posted in Medications For Shingles | Leave a comment

Cause Of Shingles – What Really Is It?

Posted on May 8, 2011 by Joe Homps

Cause Of Shingles – What Really Is It?

Article by Patrick Kolbow







Just like its sister disease, chicken pox, shingles was sometimes misunderstood in the past. Modern medicine however has now allowed us to achieve a better understanding of what is the cause of shingles.

The Real Cause of Shingles

Food is not part of what cause shingles. In fact, you also technically cannot get shingles even when you are casually around someone who has it. The real answer to what cause shingles is already inside an individual’s body. The virus varicella zoster is what cause shingles and it is the very same virus that is also responsible for chicken pox. When a person gets chicken pox, the same virus that caused it stays in a nerve near the spinal cord. It will lie dormant until it reactivates in the future and manifests itself as shingles. Although you cannot catch shingles from someone, it is possible to get chicken pox from direct contact with a person with shingles if you have never had chicken pox before.

Triggers

The reactivation of the varicella virus is the true answer to what cause shingles. There are however certain triggers that are linked to what cause shingles. The number one trigger is actually a weakened or suppressed immune system. Some factors contribute to bring about such a condition in the immune system. Age for example is among these factors. Older people may naturally weaken through age or their immune systems may simply forget what it was like to fight the virus because it has been asleep for a long time.

Aside from age, AIDS and HIV are conditions that also naturally result in an immune system that is more pone to viral attacks. Severe illnesses like cancer and radical medical procedures like chemotherapy and organ transplant may also have an impact on the nervous system. Steroids which have a suppressive effect on the immune system are also what cause shingles as triggers.

Stress as a Trigger

There is now some evidence that severe emotional triggers such as emotional trauma and extreme stress may also be part of what cause shingles. There are several theories surrounding this aspect of what cause shingles. It is possible that an overworked immune system due to stress can lead to its inability to do its job properly. Common sense would tell us that pushing the body to the limit of work exertion can negatively affect the immune system.

Prevention

Vaccination seems to be the best solution to try and prevent the incidence of shingles in the future. Children and teens should therefore receive the proper shots for chicken pox. Adults aged 60 and above can now also receive shingles vaccination. Getting yourself immunized however does not always guarantee that you will always be immune from the virus.

There is no clear evidence that clean living, regular exercise and a proper diet can stop shingles from erupting. It does still make sense though to simply just attempt to strengthen your immune system. You can do this by cutting your smoking habits, eating right and maintaining the right balance of physical activity and relaxation.



About the Author

Get more information and find out more about what is the real Cause of shingles at http://treatmentofshingles.net.

Posted in Medications For Shingles | Leave a comment