Medication
Self-care
Nutrition
How long have we known about shingles?
In 1831 Richard Bright hypothesized that the disease arose from the dorsal root ganglion, and an 1861 paper by Felix von Bärensprung confirmed this. Recognition that chickenpox and shingles were caused by the same virus came at the beginning of the 20th century.
How did doctors treat shingles?
Several antiviral medicines—acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir—are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness. These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears.
Where did shingles start?
The shingles rash is associated with an inflammation of nerves beneath the skin. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who's had chickenpox may develop shingles. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus enters your nervous system and lies dormant for years.
How long did the shingles last?
How long does shingles last? Most cases of shingles last three to five weeks. The first sign is often burning or tingling pain; sometimes it includes numbness or itching on one side of the body. Somewhere between one and five days after the tingling or burning feeling on the skin, a red rash will appear.
How many times can you get shingles?
The virus can reactivate later, causing shingles. Most people who develop shingles have only one episode during their lifetime. However, you can have shingles more than once.
Can you get shingles twice?
A. Yes: although it's uncommon, you can get shingles multiple times. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus sticks around in your body after chickenpox symptoms go away, lying dormant in your nerves, held in check by your immune system.
Is shingles caused by stress?
Essentially, emotional stress doesn't cause shingles as we know the virus is already lying dormant in the body. However, emotional stress can weaken the immune system, reducing the body's ability to defend against illnesses. Any number of stressors can lead to a weakened immune system.
Is it OK to be around someone with shingles?
If you have shingles, you should: Cover the rash, avoid touching or scratching the rash and wash your hands often to prevent the spread of the virus. Avoid close contact with people until the rash blisters heal (develop crusts). It is essential to avoid contact with people at higher risk from chickenpox infection.
Can you get shingles if you had the vaccine?
While the shingles vaccine is highly effective, some people can still get shingles. However, people who do get shingles after getting the shingles vaccine usually have milder symptoms and a shorter illness. You'll also be less likely to have complications from shingles, including postherpetic neuralgia.
How painful is shingles on a scale of 1 to 10?
“Shingles is extremely painful," Wigand-Bolling said. “On a scale from one to 10, most patients will say the pain ranges from six to 10.” Between 1 and 5 days after the first symptoms occur, a rash will develop in the affected area.
Can shingles go away on its own?
Generally, a case of shingles rash resolves within 3 to 4 weeks. It can resolve without treatment, but antiviral treatment can shorten both the duration and severity of the rash.
Is your immune system weaker after shingles?
Weakened Immune System There is a clear association between shingles and weakened immunity to infection.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Preparing For Your Appointment
Specialist to consult
Overview
Symptoms
- There's no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medications include: 1. Acyclovir (Zovirax) 2. Famciclovir 3. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe: 1. Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza) 2. Anticonvul...
Causes
- Taking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on your blisters may help relieve the itching and pain. And, if possible, try to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
Risk Factors
- Some people have such mild symptoms of shingles that they don't seek medical treatment. At the other extreme, severe symptoms may result in a visit to the emergency room.
Complications
Prevention
- The signs and symptoms of shingles usually affect only a small section of one side of your body. These signs and symptoms may include: 1. Pain, burning, numbness or tingling 2. Sensitivity to touch 3. A red rash that begins a few days after the pain 4. Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over 5. Itching Some people also experience: 1. Fever 2. Headache 3. Sensitivity to light 4. …