Shingles is a skin disorder triggered by the chicken pox virus which is thought to lie
dormant in the spinal cord until later in life. Shingles most often occurs between the
ages of 50 and 70 in both men and women. Even though shingles is not as contagious as
chicken pox, infants and people whose immunity is low should not be exposed to it. Besides
aging, the risks for getting shingles increases with:
Hodgkin's disease or other cancer
Any illness in which infection-fighting
systems are below par
The use of anticancer medications or any
medications that suppress the immune system (Example: corticosteroids)
Stress or trauma, either emotional or
physical
Symptoms
Pain, itching, or tingling
sensation before the rash appears
A rash of painful red blisters which later
crust over. Most often, the rash appears on one side of the torso or face.
Though rare, fever and general weakness
sometimes occur.
After the crusts fall off (usually within 3 weeks), pain can persist in the area of the rash. This usually goes away on its own after 1 to 6 months. Chronic pain can, however, last for months or years. The older you are, the greater the chance that this is the case. The recovery time may also take longer, too.
Most cases of shingles are mild, but shingles can result in chronic, severe pain or blindness if it affects the eye.
Treatment
Treatment for shingles includes:
Prescription medicines Famvir,
Valtrex, and Zovirax can be very effective. The sooner one of these medicines is used, the
better the results.
Medicines for pain. Codeine may sometimes
be prescribed.
Other medicines as needed, such as
antihistamines and corticosteroids.
With shingles, are you over 60 years of age, taking anticancer or
other immunosuppressive medicines, or do you have a chronic illness? |
 |
| Has the shingles affected your eye, nose, or ear? |
|
| Do the blisters itch uncontrollably or are they very painful? |
|
| Do you have a fever and/or general weakness? |
|
| Do you suspect you have shingles? |
|
Following are things you can do (along with your doctor's treatment plan) to
help relieve an active outbreak of shingles:
Unless your doctor has given you
prescription pain medicine, take an over-the-counter medicine for pain. {Note:
See Pain relievers in Your Home Pharmacy.}
Keep sores open to the air. Until
the blisters are completely blistered over, do not go near children or adults who have not
yet had the chicken pox or others who have a condition which suppresses their immune
system. Examples are cancer, HIV/AIDS, and chronic illness. They could get chicken pox
from exposure to shingles.
Don't wear restrictive clothing that
irritates the area of the body where sores are present.
Wash blisters, but never scrub them.
Apply calamine lotion to the affected area
to relieve itching. Or apply a paste made of 3 teaspoons of baking soda mixed with 1
teaspoon of water to the affected area.
Avoid drafty areas where you can get
chilled.
Put cool compresses on the blisters. You
can use several things: a cold cloth or towel dipped in ice water, a bag of frozen
vegetables, or an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel. Put the cool compress on the blisters
for 20 minutes at a time.
Drink plenty of liquids.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2000 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/28/01