Causes of Shingles – How to Fight Against Shingles

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Joe Homps

Causes of Shingles – How to Fight Against Shingles

Shingles also known as herpes zostrer. Shingles is a same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles can cause several problems with the eye and surrounding skin that may have long term effects. Inflammation and scarring of the cornea, along with conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) and iritis (inflammation of the iris) are typical problems. Shingles manifests as a vesicular rash, usually in a single dermatome. Development of the rash may be preceded by paresthesias or pain along the involved dermatome. Ocular involvement and zoster keratitis may result if reactivation occurs along the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Approximately 95% of adults in the United States have antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus.

Cover shingles lesions with a clean cloth or loose-fitting gauze after cleansing. Trim fingernails to reduce the chance of bacterial infection from scratching.

Treatment with famciclovir (Famvir) may significantly reduce pain and hasten recovery from an acute attack. Topical creams containing capsaicin may provide some relief from pain. Cover shingles lesions with a clean cloth or loose-fitting gauze after cleansing. Avoid contact with the skin lesions of persons with known herpes zoster infection. Cool wet compresses can be used to reduce pain. Soothing baths and lotions, such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or lotions and calamine lotion, may help to relieve itching and discomfort.

Have the person with shingles see the doctor as soon as the shingles rash appears. Treatment within 2 or 3 days of the shingles outbreak may shorten the duration of postherpetic neuralgia.

Apply cool compresses over the zoster lesions or take a cool bath twice a day. Avoid exposure to warm and hot water because this could lead to further itching.

The affected area should be kept clean. Bathing is permitted, and the area can be cleansed with soap and water. Cool compresses and anti-itching lotions, such as calamine lotion, may also provide relief. An aluminum acetate solution (Burow’s or Domeboro solution, available at your pharmacy) can be used to help dry up the blisters and oozing.

As soon as you are diagnosed with shingles, your doctor probably will start treatment with antiviral medicines. If you begin medicines within the first 2 days of seeing the shingles rash, you have a lower chance of having later problems, such as postherpetic neuralgia. Early treatment of shingles is important, because the problems that can arise can be serious and resistant to treatment. For example, 40% to 50% of people with postherpetic neuralgia do not respond to treatment.

The best treatment for shingles is rapid medical treatment. The sooner a person sees a doctor after the first suspicion of shingles, the better off he or she will be. Antiviral drugs are very helpful in reducing the severity and duration of the outbreak, but they must be started within 48 hours of the rash appearing, ideally in less than 24. Otherwise, they are of small benefit. However, the person treated in the first 24 hours after the rash’s appearance will usually have a much lighter outbreak, with few, if any complications, and much less chance of experiencing PHN.

The first coat of finish is best applied before shingles are installed so that the back, butt-end, and face of each shingle are thoroughly coated. The finish may be applied by dipping the shingles to at least two-thirds their length, then standing them vertically until the finish has dried. An alternative to dipping is to apply the finish by brushing, rolling, or spraying. Dipping is the most effective method and brushing is the next best. If a light colored finish has been applied, the butt-end and edge of the shingle will eventually discolor as a result of leaching of water-soluble extractives from the wood.

Read about Erectile Dysfunction and Weak Erection. Also read about Blood Purifier, Skin Allergies and Medical Health Tests

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What is Shingles Disease

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Joe Homps

What is Shingles Disease

Most of us have probably heard of what shingles disease is. The many different pieces of information about shingles disease however can sometimes be confusing. What are the real facts about shingles disease?

Cause of Shingles

Shingles disease is caused by the virus varicella zoster which is also the cause of chicken pox. This is the reason why some people refer to shingles as the sister disease of chicken pox. Medically, shingles disease is known as herpes zoster. One gets shingles only if one has been infected with chicken pox before. Even if one heals of chicken pox, the virus may stay hidden and dormant near the spinal cord. When it becomes triggered in the future, it will reactivate as shingles.

Contagious Disease

Those who say that shingles disease is not contagious simply mean that it is not possible to pass shingles to someone else. On the other hand, it is possible to pass the virus through direct contact with blisters to someone who has never had chicken pox. Once the virus is transmitted, the infected person will get chicken pox and not shingles.

Symptoms

Shingles disease can cause a great deal of discomfort. People who have it complain of intense pain that gets worse with the appearance of rashes that transform into fluid filled blisters. People with shingles may also experience feeling like they have flu. The disease is therefore usually accompanied by fever, chills, headache and upset stomach.

Who Gets It

Anyone who has had chicken pox before and has a poor immune system can suffer from a reactivation of the varicella virus. This is why some elderly individuals get shingles. People above 50 or 60 usually experience a natural decline in the functions of the immune system. Aside from the elderly, those who are severely sick or immunocompromised are also natural candidates because of the poor condition of their immune systems. There is now some evidence that people who are overexposed to extreme stress may also be at risk of getting shingles disease. This is because stress can negatively affect the immune system.

Complications

If properly and promptly treated, complications are rare and unlikely. Some patients however have been known to suffer from post herpetic neuralgia after having shingles disease. This is a condition that is marked by chronic pain that can go on for years after shingles has been treated. Other critical complications include possible paralysis and encephalitis. If the shingles blisters appear on the face, a person is also at risk of becoming blind or hearing impaired if not immediately treated.

Treatment

Early medical treatment is encouraged to reduce the pain and to increase the speed of healing. Doctors may prescribe antiviral medication or corticosteroids. At home, typical oral pain relievers and topical antibiotics may be used.

Prevention

One step to try and prevent shingles disease is to get the right vaccination for chicken pox. Adults over 60 can now also be immunized against shingles. In some instances though, even those who have been vaccinated may still get chicken pox or shingles. It is however believed that the diseases will be less severe if one has been vaccinated.

Get more information and find out more about shingles disease at http://treatmentofshingles.net.

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The Symptoms, Causes And Treatments Of Shingles

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Joe Homps

The Symptoms, Causes And Treatments Of Shingles

Shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, is a viral infection of the nerve roots that usually manifests as a rash or blisters on the skin. The rash may be accompanied by pain or numbness in the affected area. Although inconvenient and uncomfortable, shingles is treatable, although not preventable.

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is caused by a virus, in fact, the same virus that causes chicken pox, varicella zoster. In the case of those who have been previously exposed to chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in their nervous system even after they recover. When the virus is re-activated, by factors including disease, stress, aging, or some combination of the three, it travels up the nerve to affect the skin in the area of skin related to that nerve. Anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles, even if they were infected and recovered years ago. Additionally, the blisters caused by shingles are full of the chicken pox virus, and can transmit it to other people. While most adults are immune to chicken pox, those who never had chicken pox, or those with weakened immune systems are at risk for catching chicken pox from those with shingles.

Symptoms of Shingles

Those with shingles may not immediately experience the characteristic shingles rash. Rather, they will experience an unusual sensitivity on one area of skin, which often is accompanied by tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation where the rash later appears. Some people experience flu like symptoms, including head aches, enlarged lymph nodes, and sensitivity to light. However, those affected will not have the fever that usually comes with the flu.

As the virus progresses, the rash appears on the sensitive area of skin, usually only on one side of the body, and in a band or strip formation. The rash consists of blisters that fill with fluid and then collapse before drying out and crusting over. The rash usually clears up in about two to four weeks, although residual pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia, can last for much longer, in some cases, years. However, this usually only occurs in those who experience shingles on their faces or chests.

Treatment for Shingles

Shingles is generally treated with a combination of antiviral medications, painkillers, and soothing lotions. The most commonly prescribed antiviral for shingles is aciclovir, as it reduces the length of the virus, and therefore the probability of complications. Generic painkillers such as paracetamol can help to manage the pain associated with the virus, and calamine lotion is used to reduce the itching. In more severe cases, the GP may prescribe stronger painkillers, or in the case of those with compromised immune systems, injections of antiviral antibodies. Additionally, the affected area is kept as clean and dry as possible, usually by covering it with a dressing.

Shingles generally resolves itself without serious complications, however, if it appears near the eyes, forehead or nose, the patient should seek out a GP or opthamologist, as shingles in this area can cause blindness. However, this is extremely unusual; the most common after effect of shingles is scarring, although this does not occur in the majority of cases.

Although generally not dangerous, those who think they may be affected with shingles should seek medical advice as soon as possible, in order to lower the risk of complications.

Shingles is a very painful viral condition for which there are a number of natural therapies.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Joe Homps

Mark asks…

Doctors or clinics for pain in Arizona?

I am looking for references to the best pain clinics or doctors that can help with the pain remedies of Shingles. Also if there is a place that you can go to see how a clinic or doctor rates in the state.

admin answers:

You need to research hydrotherapy for pain management. There are lots of hot-cold water treatments that can deal the pain of with and even possibly heal things bulging disks, nerve ending issues, etc. I’ll bet it would work wonders!

Carol asks…

what is best pain remedy for shingles?

admin answers:

Zovarax two times a day to the area.

Jenny asks…

ANy good home remedy for the pain caused by Shingles?

My 20 year old daughter is suffering from them. We believe they were brought about by the suppression of her immune system and stress caused by a nearly fatal auto accident about a year ago.

She is having a lot of pain even though the rash is not wide spread or severe. She has seen her physician who says they cannot treat her with the usual meds because the rash is more than three days old.
Thanks for your help so far!

My mom says we need to put a combo of vinegar and geranium oil on it. The physician says we need to keep it dry.

Also, she wasn’t having pain when she saw her physician.

admin answers:

I don’t know of any home remedies, because shingles is just so painful that not much will take care of it. However, when my stepdad had shingles, he got a lot of relief from using Lidoderm (lidocaine) patches. And this was on his face! When he had his patches on, my mom called him The Phantom of The Opera.

He looked silly, but the lidocaine patches helped tremendously. You need a prescription, but I can’t imagine why the doc wouldn’t be happy to write one for you.

I hope she feels better soon!

Ruth asks…

why do I still get extreme sharp pains in an area where I had shingles 30 years ago?

I was 16 and now 48. Every so often I get extreme jabs of pain in the exact area where I had the shingles. It is the lower left side, just above where the rib cage begins. In fact, I still have the slight scarring. These pains don’t come very often, maybe once a month or so but are they very sharp and painful – like a sharp buring stab. Any remedy for the pain? Thank you.

admin answers:

You should see your doctor. Shingles cause damage to your body by swelling up on your nerves. You may have Postherpetic Neuralgia. There are different types of treatments for this, but you should see a doctor before making any decisions for yourself… And to see if this is what you actually have.

This is what I gathered from the website I’m sourcing for this answer:

Patients often describe the pain from shingles as a horrible, unbearable pain in the area of the rash. Each patient may experience different types and degrees of pain. The words used to describe the pain include sharp, electric-like jabs, burning, throbbing, aching, and skin sensitivity.

Most patients who develop the chronic pain of PHN say that the pain is less severe than the shingles pain, but it may still be intense. Like shingles pain, the pain of PHN can be described as sharp, electric-like jabs, burning, throbbing, aching, and skin sensitivity, and the pain is different from patient to patient. Patients might also have intense itching in the painful area. The pain of PHN may spread beyond the original shingles rash, and often includes several inches above the rash area. Some patients have severe skin sensitivity (called allodynia) that can be very disabling, especially if the sensitive area is on the chest, trunk, or limbs, making the touch of clothing unbearable.

If this is what you are experiencing, see your doctor.

John asks…

why do I still get extreme sharp pains in an area where I had shingles 30 year ago?

I was 16 and now 48. Every so often I get extreme jabs of pain in the exact area where I had the shingles. It is the lower left side, just above where the rib cage begins. In fact, I still have the slight scarring. These pains don’t come very often, maybe once a month or so but are they very sharp and painful – like a sharp buring stab. Any remedy for the pain? Thank you.

admin answers:

It does happen. It’s called “postherpatic neuralgia.” Yes, there is something you can take. Talk to your doctor about either Neurontin or Lyrica. They’re both prescribed for nerve pain–which is exactly what you have. The virus that causes shingles attacks the nerves where you had the outbreak. Even long after the outbreak has healed, the virus is still in those nerves.

More info:
http://www.neurontin.com/
http://www.lyrica.com/

Hope you feel better soon!

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What Is Shingles And The Best Shingles Treatments

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Joe Homps

What Is Shingles And The Best Shingles Treatments

If you’re asking yourself what is Shingles and what are the greatest Shingles treatments, you’ve come to the right place.

First, the actual Shingles virus is brought on by the herpes varicella-zoster virus (also called simply zoster). It’s exactly the same virus that causes the Chicken Pox (which usually most people have had throughout childhood). If you’ve ever experienced the Chicken Pox before, then you’ll understand that the virus never completely goes away. The actual virus in fact remains dormant (inactive) inside of your body.

When Shingles occurs, the virus gets active once again and also the individual suffering from it may break out in a severe rash of blisters that is certainly extremely agonizing. To summarize what is Shingles, it’s basically the infection of the nerve and also the area of skin around it.

Most cases of Shingles can last about 2-4 weeks. Although, it could be reoccurring for many people and keeps coming back.

While the most typical symptom of Shingles is nerve pain along with a rash of blisters, some other signs and symptoms which contribute to what is Shingles are: confusion, fatigue, headaches, fever, loss of memory, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and much more.

I want to make sure to share with you among the better Shingles treatments available that you can apply which will make a massive difference.

Even though many doctors will recommend specific medications, which may be helpful to treat the Shingles symptoms, there are also numerous Shingles natural home remedies that you could apply that are extremely incredible Shingles treatments.

As an example, to numb the pain sensation from the rash or blisters, as an alternative to taking drugs you should use a cold compress or a wet cloth. Simply put it about the infected area for around 20 minutes and it will help numb the pain and you will feel far better.

You can even make use of calamine lotion to reduce itchiness or even burning, or perhaps Vitamin E Oil or perhaps Aloe Vera Gel.

One of the better Shingles treatments that is often ignored is a proper diet. Making sure you’re taking in plenty of Vitamin C, multi-vitamins, minerals and fruit and veggies. Remaining hydrated will help flush your body of toxins and will cause you to feel much better as well.

One of the most typical factors behind Shingles is a weakened immune system, and that’s why it’s vital that you help to make your immune system as strong as you possibly can. You can do this through appropriate nutrition and taking good care of your system. I’d also propose resting and relaxing, since this will help make your immune system really feel far better and you will lessen stress by doing this. Occasionally stress or trauma can be a reason for Shingles as well.

I am hoping this information has become a help with answering what is Shingles and delivering the best Shingles Treatments.

Bob Carlton is a nutritionist, medical researcher and expert on Shingles.

Find out exactly how to cure Shingles once and for all, visit to this Shingles Cure website right now!

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Shingles Pain Treatment

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles Pain Treatment

If you’re currently suffering from Shingles and looking for the most effective Shingles pain treatment, you’re in the right place. It’s really important to begin the treatment of Shingles as soon as possible, as it will lessen the harshness of the disease and also the length.

On this page, I am about to reveal to you several easy Shingles pain treatment you can apply right away.

1) Ice Pack Or Wet Cloth

Numerous Shingles affected individuals have reported using an ice pack or a wet cloth can temporarily be utilized for a Shingles pain treatment. You need to make certain the skin and infected area is thoroughly clean before utilizing an ice pack or wet cloth, since you don’t want to obtain an infection. However the ice pack will help alleviate any kind of pain or discomfort through numbing the actual infected nerve area.

2) Calamine Lotion

You may apply calamine lotion around the infected area as a Shingles pain treatment, which will help ease any pain, burning or even itchiness.

3) Eat 2 Pears A Day

Pears are abundant with caffeic acid, and that is commonly used as a natural antiviral treatment and will assist as a Shingles pain treatment. You may either eat the pears whole or juice them or even drink an all-natural pear juice for excellent results. However, make certain you’re consuming pears each day!

4) Lysine

Consume a minimum of two 500 milligram capsules of Lysine several times daily. Lysine is an anti-viral amino acid which can be found in green spinach, lentils, peas, carob as well as soybeans. Lysine could be successful in getting rid of any kind of signs and symptoms and as a fast Shingles pain treatment.

And lastly there is certainly Ibuprofen, Tylenol or even Aspirin which can help alleviate any pain you may be going through. There are also other prescription drugs you are able to take that the medical doctor can give you, nevertheless, much research shows that those medications could be unhealthy for your entire body and may not be worth putting yourself at that degree of risk. Presently there are many natural, safe and effective treatments for Shingles.

Bob Carlton is a nutritionist, medical researcher and expert on Shingles.

Find out exactly how to cure Shingles once and for all, visit to this Shingles Cure website right now!

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Shingles – The Things Everyone Should Know

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles – The Things Everyone Should Know

Shingles, correctly called as herpes zoster, is a painful skin disease. In this, a virus that also causes chicken pox affects the skin and creates bands of blisters which are full of liquid, pus, etc. The disease settles over two to three weeks but the pain may remain for a month after that. Those who have had chicken pox in childhood are likely to get shingles as they age. Why do some people get shingles and others don’t, is not known. Lets find out more about it.

Shingles symptoms happen in stages. At first you may have a headache or be sensitive to light. You may also feel like you have the flu but not have a fever. Later, you may feel itching, tingling, or pain in a certain area. That’s where a band, strip, or small area of rash may occur a few days later. The rash turns into clusters of blisters. The blisters fill with fluid and then crust over. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the blisters to heal, and they may leave scars. Some people only get a mild rash, and some do not get a rash at all.

Causes of Shingles

Varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox, causes shingles. This virus is in the herpes family. After a person has had chickenpox the virus remains in their body, lying dormant or hidden in part of the nervous system. For some reason, often many years later, the virus travels back down one of the nerves to the skin, where it causes a rash in the area of skin supplied by that nerve. It’s not clear what triggers reactivation of the chickenpox virus but it may be linked to changes in the immune system. Ensuring your immune system is not weakened may help to prevent this occurring.

Diet nutrition, vitamins, amino acids, herbs, and even tai chi have effects on shingles. There are many ways to get help from shingles outbreaks naturally. They all offer your body a chance to heal, have fewer outbreaks, have shorter outbreaks when you do get them, and reduce or even eliminate the long-term pain of post-herpetic neuralgia.

Read About Make up Tips Read Also About Sun Care Tips and What Is Shingles Virus

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Shingles Pain Management – Natural Remedy vs. Medication

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles Pain Management – Natural Remedy vs. Medication

One of the most painful skin infections is shingles. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killer medication, also known as corticosteroids, are most commonly prescribed for people who are infected with shingles. Another common prescription is Anti-Virals which provide fast healing and pain relief. It is important to check with your doctor carefully as some of the above mentioned medications are not suitable for people with a weak immune system.

Corticosteroids can be risky for a person with a weak immune system or for the elderly. You need not worry about side-effects and any other risks involved if you use solely natural treatment remedies. In fact, fresh fruits and vegetables and a diet rich in vitamins can give a natural boost to your immune system and is generally a major part of a natural treatment for shingles.

To combat pain, there is a range of medications available today. Some common over-the-counter options include ibuprofen and aspirin. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants and anticonvulsants, topical medicines or antibiotics, anti- inflammatory drugs, opioid painkillers, nerve block injections. These options are especially useful when the pain does not go away even after the rashes have. This condition is known as post-herpetic neuralgia and requires stronger medication.

The dark side of these medications includes side-effects. Nausea, dizziness, constipation are one of the many side-effects experienced by patients. Topical lotions and antibiotic ointments can irritate the skin in some cases and might lead to further burning and itching.

Another strong point against the mentioned medications is that they might not fully cure shingles and provide long term pain relief solutions. A study conducted at John Hopkins Medical School reveals that just 32% of patients suffering from shingles get pain relief from the use of anti-depressants, and 30% of them are benefited from opioids.

Natural, non-medicated treatment, on the other hand, does not pose any threat to patients, and can work wonders. Ice packs provide temporary relief to itching and pain, whereas natural remedies like herbs and oils not only provide pain relief, but also keep the rashes dry and keep the infection to the minimum. To heal shingles, you need to keep the rashes dry and they will soon disappear.

Oatmeal and clay are very good drying agents and are the appropriate natural remedy for shingles. You can also try massaging with eucalyptus oil as it helps to reduce the burning sensation, itch and pain. Another pain reliever is aloe vera, which when mixed with coconut oil and cayenne pepper, can accelerate the healing process. These natural remedies can be used by a patient of any age, unlike medications.

Natural remedies are a boon for those who are not benefited from medications. There are also times when prescribed medications do not seems to work at all for certain patients. At this time, natural treatment remedies will serve as the best alternative treatment options.

Hence, it is ultimately upon the person to decide which course to take. Both natural remedies and medication have their own pros and cons. While it is extremely important to contact your health care provider on the outbreak of shingles, you may want to opt for a more natural way for pain relief from shingles and its complete healing.

You can always continue prescribed medicines and couple them with natural remedies after consulting your doctor. It is good to bear in mind that natural remedies or prescribed medication might not be suitable for all. You must see what works out best for you. The choice, after all, is all yours.

Shingles is an agonizing viral infection that gives you sore rashes and blisters on your skin. You can learn more about this skin condition, including shingles symptoms and causes of shingles on Clivir.com.

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Shingles Causes And Treatment

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles Causes And Treatment

Article by Jordan Max







Shingles is an infection caused by varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Early signs and symptoms of shingles include pain, numbness, burning and tingling on the affected area followed by a rash. Usually, only one side of the body or face is affected. While the infection is not life-threatening, shingles on the face is considered serious because it can affect your vision or hearing. Usually, shingles are not that severe, and the mild symptoms can be treated without the help of a doctor. However, having shingles on your face is especially dangerous. If you have rashes around eyes that are sore, you must run to your doctor at the earliest, as it can lead to permanent eye damage.

Stress can cause shingles because chronic stress will affect the immune system. Normally, during a stressful event the body will change the way the immune system will work. This is done by passing adrenaline and cortisol through the bloodstream. In terms of the immune system this will increase the consistency of the blood to make it thicker or sticky. This is in case of injuries that require clotting to seal the injury. This will increase the amount of plasma in the blood. The pain from Shingles can be mild or very intense, almost debilitating. Some people can experience mostly itching; others feel pain from even the gentlest touch or breeze. Wearing clothes or even laying in bed with a sheet over you can be horribly painful. The most common location where shingles occurs is a band that spans one side of the body around the waistline, but only on one side.

The virus that causes chicken pox in childhood goes into dormancy. After years, it gets triggered again. The triggers may include age, stress, depressed immune system, etc. As the virus gets activated, the patient gets shingles. The affected area pains for a day or two. After that, the blisters begin appearing. Blisters appear on one side of the body in a band-like fashion. There are a range of causes associated with shingles. However, there is no surety as to what really causes shingles. It’s not about what causes shingles but about the factors that actually activate the shingles virus that is lying dormant in the person’s body. Stress is one of the primary causes of reactivation. Stress, especially of the emotional variety, triggers off a process of reactivation.

There are lots of anti-viral medications available to treat this virus as a part of shingles treatment. This shingles treatment help in reducing the complications after the impact of shingles on our body. During the shingles treatment using the above medicines, these medications are taken three to five times a day for seven to ten days at a stretch. Keeping stress to a minimum is important. Stress reduces the immune system’s effectiveness in fighting off infection. Studies have found that people with shingles report having recently been through stressful periods more often than other people.



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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Joe Homps

Betty asks…

Just discovered rash spreading around my waist and back….it’s Shingles.?

I’ll go to the doctor today to get some meds. I look back and realize that the last 5 days of so I had been feeling not so good. Anyone know what causes Shingles….I’ve heard its very related to STRESS. Is that true?

admin answers:

Shingles (herpes zoster) is an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox — the varicella-zoster virus. The first sign of shingles is often burning or tingling pain, or sometimes numbness or itch, in one particular location on only one side of the body. After several days or a week, a rash of fluid-filled blisters, similar to chickenpox, appears in one area on one side of the body. Shingles pain can be mild or intense. Some people have mostly itching; some feel pain from the gentlest touch or breeze. The most common location for shingles is a band, called a dermatome, spanning one side of the trunk around the waistline. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles. Scientists think that in the original battle with the varicella-zoster virus, some of the virus particles leave the skin blisters and move into the nervous system. When the varicella-zoster virus reactivates, the virus moves back down the long nerve fibers that extend from the sensory cell bodies to the skin. The viruses multiply, the tell-tale rash erupts, and the person now has shingles.

The severity and duration of an attack of shingles can be significantly reduced by immediate treatment with antiviral drugs, which include acyclovir, valcyclovir, or famcyclovir. (first two days of blisters – after that it is usually inefective) Antiviral drugs may also help stave off the painful after-effects of shingles known as postherpetic neuralgia. Other treatments for postherpetic neuralgia include steroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical agents.
For most healthy people, the lesions heal, the pain subsides within 3 to 5 weeks, and the blisters leave no scars. However, shingles is a serious threat in immunosuppressed individuals.

A person with a shingles rash can pass the virus to someone, usually a child, who has never had chickenpox, but the child will develop chickenpox, not shingles.

A person with chickenpox cannot communicate shingles to someone else. Shingles comes from the virus hiding inside the person’s body, not from an outside source.

Maria asks…

my husband has shingles and a paper i printed out of the internet says?

one study reports that the virus that causes shingles may be released into the air from shingles sores. you may be able to prevent spreading the disease by covering the shingles sores with a type of dressing that absorbs fluids and protects the sore (hydrocolloid dressing, such as DuoDerm).4 what does that mean exactly and where can i buy it? thanks

admin answers:

Yes, that is true. My daughter had shingles and the doctor said she was not contagious ONLY if she covered it well. I did get it from her very easily as I helped her to cover it. Luckily, I used the cream the doctor gave me for her and was able to control it quickly. It is very, very painful nerve pain. I am so sorry your husband has it.
You can buy dressings anywhere. Go to the pharmacy and tell them what you need.

Linda asks…

what is wrong with me? Why do doctors guess and not make sure of things?

on tuesday i started getting really bad pains in my side, it kept me up tuesday night. Wednesday was better but still sore. Thurday my ribs started gettin really tender to touch. Friday my skin was really sensitive and hurts to slightly touch by my ribs. it hurts to breath and even hold my arm next to my side. I thought maybe my ribs cracked again but my doc told me it could be that or shingles comming on. I dont have a rash! Saturday i had a fever and chills and my side hurt alot. Today is Sunday and i got a headache that hurts especially when i cough and a on and off fever my side does not hurt so bad but still a little. Any ideas what is wrong? What causes shingles anyways?

admin answers:

Shingles is an inflammation along a nerve. It very well may end up being shingles but actually it sounds more like pleurisy. The skin sensitivity sounds like neuritis. Medicine is not always an exact science and when they say a person PRACTICES MEDICINE, that’s often true. Some ailments go through several stages before the doctor can be sure what’s going on. However, if you’re still ill tomorrow, go to the doctor again…or get a second opinion.

Steven asks…

How do I kill a mimosa tree?

I have a mimosa tree that has been cut down to the roots but it keeps coming back each year. It has ruined a wooden fence and caused shingle damage to the roof of my house. What can I do to keep it from coming back?

admin answers:

Drill some holes in the stump and pour roundup weed killer full strength into holes. It will get it.

Susan asks…

why is it something different everyday?

on tuesday i started getting really bad pains in my side, it kept me up tuesday night. Wednesday was better but still sore. Thurday my ribs started gettin really tender to touch. Friday my skin was really sensitive and hurts to slightly touch by my ribs. it hurts to breath and even hold my arm next to my side. I thought maybe my ribs cracked again but my doc told me it could be that or shingles comming on. I dont have a rash! Saturday i had a fever and chills and my side hurt alot. Today is Sunday and i got a headache that hurts especially when i cough and a on and off fever my side does not hurt so bad but still a little. Any ideas what is wrong? What causes shingles anyways? Would not of my appendix burst already? My side is getting better! i had my gall bladder removeda year ago! Today being monday my stomach hurts and i got diareah, i ate a bag of sun chips and my poo came out redy orange. But the chips were orange so i hope that is ok. Why is it something different every day?

admin answers:

That’s what makes it fun. It would be boring if nothing ever happened to U. Just go with it & take things 1 at a time when they come up. Ur not the only one with problems, what is that saying about sh*t happens. Now U know what it means. U will be fine, as I said take 1 thing at a time.

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