What Are Shingles

It is an infection caused by a herpes virus (varicella-zoster virus).It is the same virus that cause chickenpox.Shingles is known as herpes zoster and also known as zona.It occurs in a strip on one side of a body.It is very painful and red and itchy.We can get shingles if we had chickenpox in past.This infection is common in people of 60 years as well as young people.Shingles is a Latin world which means belt or girdle.

Symptoms of Shingles

When the chickenpox virus reactive it causes shingles. Usually pain is the first symptom of it.It is generally affect only one side of a body.A red rash typically follows.Band of pain and rash is the main sign of it.

Shingles develops in stages:

1-Prodromal stages-before the rash appears---

Rash

1-Pain, burning, ticking, tingling, numbness.It may occur on the belly, head, face, neck, or one arm or leg and one eye

2-Swelling

3-Flu, chilli's, fever, headache

4-Fatigue, weakness of muscle

2-Active stage-rash and blisters appears---

Blister

1- The rash generally appears 2-3 days after the pain begins.It may take place on the forehead, cheek, nose, and eye

2- Fluid blisters will appear at first but may become cloudy 3 to 4 days

3-Blisters may break and crust over in 5 days.

4-Rash heal in 2 to 4 weeks

3-Postherpetic neuralgia-chronic pain stage(PHN)----

1-It is the most familiar  problem of shingles.It may continue for months or years  which is aching,burning in the area of shingles rash,pain that may occur linger for years,sensitivity to touch,due to pain it is difficult for the person to eat,sleep,,do daily activities.

There is vision problem may occur if shingles spreads to nerves that attach to the eyes. Pain, described as "piercing needles in the skin”.

Prevention Of Shingles

Anyone who has had chickenpox may get shingles later in life. Vaccines can help keep you from developing severe shingles symptoms or complications from shingles. A chickenpox vaccine, also known as a varicella immunization. This vaccine helps to prevent severe symptoms and complications associated with shingles. If you become infected, certain steps must be taken to prevent spread of the infection.

Preventing the spread of shingles includes:

·         Keeping your skin clean

·         Avoiding contact with individuals who have not had chickenpox or who have weakened immune systems

·         Washing any items you touch with boiling water to kill the virus

Only  vaccines can prevent shingles.There no other way to prevent shingles.