Shingles is a viral infection. It is also known as night burn among the public. Shingles, usually caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), has symptoms similar to chickenpox. This disease usually occurs as a result of reactivation of dormant VZV in nerve cells. Shingles usually presents with red blisters and painful rashes on the body and is usually more severe in the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
What is shingles?
Shingles is a disease that usually occurs in people who have had chickenpox. In people who have chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus lies dormant in the nerve cells. Subsequently, this virus reactivates and moves along the nerves, causing skin rashes. These rashes usually appear on one side of the body, in the waist or chest area.
What causes shingles?
Shingles usually occurs when the immune system is weakened. Factors that can cause the immune system to weaken may include stress, aging, cancer treatment, or immunosuppressive treatments such as organ transplantation. Additionally, shingles can sometimes occur as a side effect of certain medications.
Shingles symptoms
Shingles is a viral infection usually caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). Symptoms of shingles usually include:
- Burning, itching or numbness in the body
- Rashes and blisters
- Pain and tenderness
- Headache
- Fever and malaise
Antiviral drugs are used in the treatment of shingles. These medications stop the virus from multiplying, helping to shorten the duration of the disease and reduce the risk of complications. Various medications and methods can be used to relieve pain and itching. It is important to know that these medications may be prescription and should not be used without the advice of a specialist doctor.
What is good for shingles?
Hot or cold compresses can be applied to relieve pain in shingles. In addition, some natural treatment methods can also be used. It is important to use natural treatment methods under the supervision of a doctor. Methods to prevent shingles are listed as follows:
- To be vaccinated
- Strengthen the immune system
- stay away from stress
How to get rid of shingles?
Shingles usually goes away on its own. However, in some cases complications may arise. Therefore, it is important to follow the treatment methods recommended by your doctor. Additionally, pain may continue even after shingles has resolved. In this case, you can consult your doctor for chronic pain management.
Yes, the shingles vaccine is available and is generally recommended for people age 50 and over. The shingles vaccine helps prevent reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in individuals who have had chickenpox. The vaccine is usually administered as a single dose and can significantly reduce the risk of getting shingles. However, it is important to consult your doctor regarding the effectiveness and suitability of the vaccine.
Is shingles a dangerous disease?
Shingles usually does not cause a serious health problem. However, in some cases serious complications may occur. More serious complications may occur, especially in people with weakened immune systems and in some cases. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional when symptoms of shingles occur.
How many days does shingles last?
Shingles can usually last 2 to 4 weeks. However, in some cases this period may be longer. If left untreated, shingles may increase in duration and severity.
Is shingles contagious?
Shingles is contagious because it is caused by the chickenpox virus. However, chickenpox cannot be transmitted through direct contact with shingles patients. Contact with shingles rash can cause chickenpox in people who have not had chickenpox.
Are shingles and chickenpox the same disease?
No, shingles and chickenpox are not the same disease. Chickenpox is a disease that occurs when the virus caused by shingles becomes active for the first time.
Does shingles recur?
Shingles is a viral infection that occurs when the chickenpox virus becomes active again, causing a painful rash. At this point, will shingles reoccur? The question may arise. The question of whether shingles recurs can be answered as follows:
Shingles disease may recur, although rarely. It may recur in individuals with weak immune systems or in certain situations. Therefore, it is important to take the precautions recommended by your doctor.
As a result, shingles usually does not pose a serious health problem, but complications can occur. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional when symptoms of shingles occur. In addition, early diagnosis and treatment for shingles are also important issues.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical question, it is important to consult your doctor.