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[Schizophrenia] [Shingles] [Stomach Cancer]

SHINGLES

It is a painful viral infection of the nerves caused by virus varicella zoster. It is medically termed as herpes zoster.

TARGET GROUP:

Men and women are affected equally by shingles. It occurs mostly in older people and those whose immunity level is low.

TYPE OF DISEASE:

Shingles is a skin rash caused by the same virus which causes chickenpox. This virus lies dormant in the nerves of the person who has previously had chickenpox and reactivates years later as shingles. Certain conditions, such as emotional stress, immune deficiency, or cancer, can reactivate the virus.

 

SYMPTOMS:

The various symptoms of shingles are:

• Pain and burning
• Itching and tingling
• Numbness
• Extreme sensitivity in certain body parts
• A red rash on the affected nerve
• Fluid filled blisters
• Fever
• Headache
• Stomach upset
• Chills

Eventually, the blisters burst and the area starts to ooze. After some time the area heals by drying up and forming a crust. This whole disease takes a month to run its course.

AFFECTED AREA:

The shingles rash occurs on only one side of the body along the path of a particular nerve. It often appears as a group of blisters that starts from the middle of the back, to the chest, and breastbone. Occasionally, the shingles rash affects one eye or one side of the neck or face.

CAUSES:

Shingles is caused by a second outbreak of the varicella-zoster virus which causes chickenpox also. These viruses lie dormant in the nervous system after an initial infection for several years before attacking again. Shingles can attack anyone who's had chickenpox.

 

RISK TO OTHERS:

Pregnant women, newborns, people with weak immune system, and those who have never had chickenpox are at a high risk of getting shingles. Shingles are contagious and can be contracted by children and adults from an infected person. Recurrence of shingles is also common.

RISK TO SUFFERER:

Occasionally, the shingles blisters can become infected with a bacteria causing cellulitis. Shingles on the face can cause loss of vision, loss of facial movement, and hearing problems. Shingles can also lead to post herpetic neuralgia in which the pain in the rash area persists long after the rash disappears. Other complications include encephalitis and other neurological problems.

TREATMENT:

Oral anti viral drugs, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, are prescribed to reduce the duration and severity of the rash. Medicines to relieve acute pain may be required. The affected area should be covered and be kept dry. Topical lotions can be used to dry the blisters.

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