How shingles is caused?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster is a contagious skin disorder mostly observed in adults. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for causing chicken pox in children. This virus belongs to the same family of viruses that bring about cold sores and genital herpes.
Hence, if you have had chicken pox in your childhood, your body might contain the virus in its dormant form, which may alter develop into shingles. Sometimes psychological factors like stress can trigger shingles infection.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
Shingles appear in the form of very painful rashes and small blisters, which generally cover any one side of your back and chest. However, in severe cases it could spread to the other parts of your body as well.
The pain caused by shingles infection is mild and throbbing in nature. However, you may experience other symptoms like nausea, headache, fever, watery blisters that tend to burst, extreme itching, stomach ache, burning and tingling in the affected parts of your body.
Dos and don’ts about shingles
It is important to take good care of the shingles rashes to make them heal faster. Use an antibacterial soap and lukewarm water to clean the blisters. Avoid scrubbing the rashes and rinse the foam off. Let the rashes dry naturally; do not cover them. This will reduce pain, itching, burning and tingling.
How to treat shingles medically
You could take OTC anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, ibuprofen, Motrin and Tylenol to reduce swelling and pain of the shingles rashes. You may also take prescription non-steroidal drugs like Zovirax, Valtrex, or Famvir for bringing down acute shingles symptoms. Applying anti-itch creams and ointments with 1% hydrcotrisone can soothe the shingles patches effectively. Taking oral anti-histamine could also relieve severe itches.
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