Shingles — understanding the condition

Approximately 1 million people in the country are affected by shingles, making it one of the more common health disorders. Shingles is progressive, with symptoms that persist over prolonged periods. The discomfort caused due to shingles range from mild to severe depending on the condition, known triggers, and one’s overall immunity.

Shingles can be complicated to manage in many cases and thus it is important to understand the condition better by asking the right questions.

What is shingles?

• The Varicella-zoster virus causes shingles. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
• The virus stays dormant after an episode of chickenpox until the first signs of shingles indicate a developing condition.
• A weak immune system, stress, and any disease can trigger the dormant virus to cause shingles.
• It is imperative to note that the virus does not cause chicken pox after one has already had the condition previously.

Is shingles a severe health disorder?

• Research suggests that shingles, if left unchecked or untreated, can result in health complications leading to fatal heart attacks or even a stroke.
• For older people, a severe case of shingles can result in complications including vision loss, skin infections, nerve pain, and even a few neurological problems.
• The virus further increases the risk by causing fat buildups in the arteries and veins, and the optimum blood flow to the heart and brain are affected.
• Stress can also aggravate the condition further by increasing one’s blood pressure.
• The symptoms of shingles mainly affect adults in their 50s, but there have been a few cases where children with a weak immune system were also affected by the virus.

How can one identify shingles with shingles rash photos?

• There are not many easily identifiable and visible symptoms of shingles as most are noticeable only after the condition develops significantly.
• Headaches and running a high fever are among the first signs that may indicate a developing condition.
• As the condition develops, a patient might face other symptoms like increased sensitivity to light, weakness, and dizziness.
• However, one can compare shingles rash photos when visual indicators that include skin rashes and pus-filled blisters, start developing during the more severe stages of shingles.
• A shingles rash commonly appears on the side of the torso, and one can compare shingles rash photos available online to confirm the same.
• In most cases, itching and mild sensitivity to touch are among the common discomforts one might experience.
• A burning sensation, numbness, and tingling in and around the blisters are the more severe discomforts experienced.

Is it possible to compare the severity of the symptoms using shingles rash photos?

• One can identify the visual symptoms of shingles and compare the same with shingles rash photos to understand the severity of the condition.
• There are many resources available online including free shingles rash photos that illustrate the different stages of a developing shingles condition.
• However, once the condition has been identified, it is recommended to get immediate medical attention.

Can shingles be cured?

• There is no known cure for shingles, but there are numerous treatment options available to manage the condition to a great extent.
• Shingles vaccines help manage the symptoms and prevent a recurrence of the condition for a maximum period of five years.
• Timely vaccination is necessary to prevent recurrence especially for people who are in their 50s and 60s.

Are there any preventive measures available for shingles?

• The Center for Disease Control estimates that one in three people will develop the condition and the risk is high for people who have previously suffered from chicken pox.
• Boosting one’s immune system is the best preventive measure as one of the main triggers of complication in shingles is a weak immune system.
• Vaccination is another alternative that will also help manage the pain and discomfort caused due to shingles.
• It is also important to note that shingles is not contagious for people who have already been affected by chicken pox.