Shingles are considered a viral infection, which results in a rash that hurts. Although these rashes can form anywhere on your whole body, it usually appears as a blister stripe that wraps on one side of your chest and abdomen.
Around every one individual out of three in the US alone will develop this condition at least once in their life. Most often, individuals who get shingles get it for one time only. However, you might get the disease multiple times. Your risk for the disease increases with age.
The Signs and Symptoms of Shingles
The symptoms of the condition only affect a small area of your body in most cases. Some of the signs and symptoms of shingles are the following:
- Tingling, numbness, and pain with burning
- Touch sensitivity
- Red rashes, which develop some days after the pain
- Blisters with puss
- Itching
- Fever
- Light sensitivity
- Headache
The Causes of Shingles
Varicella-Zoster is the cause of this condition. This virus also causes chickenpox conditions in people. So, a patient with the latter condition may also get the former condition. After your recovery from chickenpox, the shingles virus intrudes in your nervous system and lies there dormant for a lot of years. This may get reactivated and travel to your skin through many nerve pathways, resulting in shingles. However, not all people who have chickenpox will get shingles.
Immunity plays a huge role in this process. People of old age or with compromised immunity have more chances of getting shingles than people who are young or are immune
The Treatment Options for Shingles
Shingles come with no cure. However, early medical intervention with antiviral medications helps speed up the healing process, which alleviates any further complications. These include:
- Famciclovir
- Acyclovir
- Valacyclovir
- Topical patch of capsaicin
- Gabapentin anticonvulsant
- Amitriptyline
- Lidocaine for topical application on the affected area
- Codeine and other narcotic drugs
- Corticosteroids as well as other anesthetics
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, telemedicine makes it possible for you to get the care you deserve. Schedule a virtual consultation with a Telakai Health online Provider and get on the road to recovery. Schedule your visit today.
