Varicella-Zoster Virus: Unmasking the Shingles Threat

Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a virus that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. Usually, it shows up as a painful rash that appears on one side of the face or body.

What is Shingles?

The painful blister-like rash known as shingles is caused by a virus. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which was dormant in the body after a chickenpox infection and then reawakens.

Symptoms of Shingles

There may be a prodrome consisting of pain, itching, or tingling localized to the area before the rash appears. This is followed by the development of a painful rash and blisters. Over 7-10 days, the blisters rupture, scab, and crust over. Though the rash may completely resolve in 2-3 weeks, some individuals continue to experience nerve pain in the affected area that can last for months to years (known as postherpetic neuralgia). Older individuals and those with a weakened immune system may be more vulnerable to getting shingles.

Causes of Shingles

Once a person has experienced chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in nerve tissue close to the spinal cord and brain. This reactivation of the virus causes shingles. The virus can reactivate in response to several factors, including ageing, immune system weakness, stress, and some drugs.

Addressing Shingles:

Treatment for shingles aims to reduce pain, shorten the illness's course, and avoid complications. This could involve corticosteroids in certain situations, antiviral drugs, analgesics, and topical rash therapies. Moreover, vaccinations, including the shingles vaccine, can lessen the severity or help prevent shingles.

Reduce Shingles Symptoms Fast: Find Treatment in St. Pete & Bradenton Today!

Get medical help immediately if you think you may have shingles. To get the care you need in St. Pete or Bradenton, speak with medical professionals who have treated shingles before. Act quickly as treatment can help reduce symptoms and avoid problems.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither My Skin by Leah Michel, APRN, FNP-BC, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (727) 295-7223.