Shingles - It All Begins With The Chickenpox
Shingles is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus. It is a formation of blisters which develop on one side of the body. This virus is the same one that is responsible for the Chickenpox. Blisters can develop mainly on the waist, back, face, forehead, and chest. Nevertheless, they can be found on any part of the body. Individuals who have had Chickenpox in the past are the same ones who have Shingles later on in life. This is because the virus Varicella Zoster doesn’t go away after causing Chickenpox. Even when the Chickenpox episode is over, the virus still remains in the body. It hides itself in the nerve cells spinal cord for the rest of the person’s life. The recurrence of Shingles is always a possibility for as long as the affected person lives. Shingles are painful in some people. People with weak immune systems, such as those affected with HIV, or those who have cancer (taking chemotherapy or radiology treatments). Those individuals who use alcohol excessively and persons who are under a great deal of stress, as well as those who are on a long range steroid usage are susceptible to the awakening of the Varicella Zoster virus. The elderly are generally the age group who is attacked the most often. A person can not catch Shingles from germs in the air which come from coughing or sneezing. It can be spread through the contact with the fluid contained in the fever blisters. This will not spread Shingles directly but can cause Chickenpox to recur. This may be avoided by covering the blisters. There are many complications caused by Shingles. It can cause Ophthalmic Zoster, an infection around the eyes which can cause pain and quick or slow loss of vision. If this does occur you need to get immediate treatment from an Ophthalmologist. Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome can also occur. It may cause deafness or paralysis on a single side of the face. Other effects of Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome are dizziness, earache, and damage to the nerves which may be permanent. Burning of the skin is one of the initial symptoms and next comes the rash. The red spots turn into blisters which dry and form scabs. The scabs fall away and leave indented places where they used to be. Antiviral medications are prescribed to control the rash, reduce the possibility of nerve damage, and also to lessen the chances of developing Post-Herpetic Neuralgia. Immediate medical treatment will be necessary if these symptoms occur: Exhaustion, high fever, memory loss, severe headache, confusion, and any symptoms which develop in or around the eyes. Aside from the prescriptions of antiviral medications, the doctor will probably give you medications for any severe pains which may occur as a result of the Shingles. There are pain relievers which can be purchased without prescriptions if the pain isn’t too severe.
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