Shingles is a painful disorder that usually strikes the elderly, but can and does strike people of middle age. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Those who suffer from shingles aren't free of the pain after the rash and blisters vanish. Pain can continue for weeks, months and even years. Find out more about this this debilitating affliction.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is an infection that is localized; usually to one half of the body. It is caused by the varicella virus, which is the same virus that causes the childhood disease, chickenpox. Shingles only strikes those who have had chickenpox. The varicella virus lays dormant in nerve endings and if it is reactivated, that is when shingles occur. It is not known why the dormant virus suddenly becomes active.
Who is Susceptible?
Shingles is primarily a disease of the elderly, but can and does strike people of middle age. It affects both genders and all ethnic groups equally and can occur at any time of the year.
Is Shingles Contagious?
If you have had chickenpox, you are susceptible to shingles. Shingles cannot be spread from one person to another, nor can contact with someone suffering from shingles cause another person’s dormant varicella virus to reactivate. However, the varicella virus in a shingles sufferer can cause chickenpox in people who have never had the childhood disease.
Shingles Symptoms
The first symptoms of shingles are a tingling sensation, extreme itchiness or pain much like the prick of a pin. Several days later a rash will appear in the form of a band or a cluster of raised, red dots. Shingles usually appear on the trunk of the body or the face. The rash progresses into small blisters that are filled with fluid. Often they overlap each other similar to the shingles on a roof. Once the blisters have formed, they begin to dry up and within a week they’re crusted over. At its peak, symptoms can range from itching to excruciating pain. Shingles usually run their course in four to six weeks, but can strike again at any time. The varicella virus can lie dormant in nerve endings for years before reactivating. The virus is present only in the area of the rash and can spread chickenpox to those who have never had it for seven days after the appearance of blisters.
Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis and treatment can shorten the duration of shingles and also prevent complications, such as continuing pain, which can be present long after the shingles have vanished.