Braun Syncro Shaver

Both chickenpox and Shingles are caused by the same virus; the VZV virus or varicella zoster virus. These diseases are characterized by the onset of what first looks like pimples surrounded by a red rash. These pimples then explode into seeping, fluid filled painful blisters. Shingles has been described as having an angrier version of the chickenpox.

Generally, the disease runs its course within two weeks. During that time the blisters become crust covered and will most likely leave a scar. When the crust layer has formed on the blister, they are no longer contagious. Anyone who has never contracted chickenpox and is exposed to an active shingles infection is at a high risk for contracting chickenpox.

Amazingly, the VZV virus can remain dormant under the skin for years after having a chickenpox episode. Prescribed medications and other conditions can reactivate the virus and bring on the outbreak of shingles. This disease is highly painful and requires medical help to both treat and manage its symptoms. There are a million cases of shingles in the United States every year.

Reports indicate that African Americans have a low incidence of shingles infection than Caucasians. The exact reason for this is not known.

The very first symptom of shingles is extreme pain in an area where the virus has remained dormant and a rash has not yet surfaced on the skin. Other symptoms to watch for are those similar to the flu. Symptoms such as headache, chills and fever are the most common.

Pain can be mild to severe and is accompanied by the classic red rash that becomes open blisters that are slower to progress than chickenpox (varicella). Common locations for this disease are the abdomen and chest areas, and usually on one side following a dermatomal pattern. This means the blisters follow the nerve route where the virus had been hiding for years.

An often seen complication of herpes zoster (shingles) is PHN, or postherpetic neuralgia which is a painful aftermath of shingles that can last for months or years. Bacterial infections of the blisters are also a complication related issue. Keeping these blisters as clean as possible will usually circumvent this occurrence.

Our immune system falters as we age, making our body conducive to the development of a zoster infection. A weakened immune system caused by HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplantation can trigger a bout of zoster. Once you have had chickenpox, you can get shingles later in life. Although shingles is thought of as a disease of the elderly, anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles including children.

Laboratory tests will confirm a diagnosis of shingles as well as its common characteristics such as appearing on only one side of the body.

Treatments such as lotions, creams, analgesics, antiviral, antiepileptic, antidepression medications and steroids are the most common.

Related posts:

1. Are You Suffering From A Mouth Yeast Infection When you've been taking antibiotics for an extended period of...
2. The Risk Factors for Ischemic Heart Disease A narrowing of the arteries that creates a blockage impeding...
3. What Are The Different Treatment For Inflammatory Arthiritis ? Brief description...
4. What Are The Various Symptoms Of Inflammatory Arthiritis Concise explanation...
5. How To Shingle A Roof Installing a new roof is a great way to improve...