FAQs about Shingles Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Did you know? At some of the time, about one-third of people develop shingles. While it is a more prevalent skin condition in older people, it can also affect children. Following are the FAQs about shingles, shingles symptoms, and treatments, let's know more about this infection.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infectious condition that affects the nerves and skin around it. It is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, i.e., varicella zoster. When a person is infected with shingles, they might firstly experience a burning or shooting pain and itching or a stinging sensation on one side of the body. It is furthermore followed by the growth of blisters or rashes. Shingles symptoms are more common in those with weakened immune systems and in older individuals. However, it can also affect children who have contracted chickenpox infection.

What Are Shingles Symptoms and Signs?

The key symptom of shingles is a pain, followed by an inflammation that turns into itchy blisters. These blisters are similar in appearance to chickenpox. Oftentimes people confuse shingles symptoms with chickenpox. Therefore, there are warning signs that can help in identifying the difference.

• fluid-filled blisters
• red patches
• a rash that wraps from the spine to the torso
• itching
• a rash on the face and ears

Symptoms that can occur after pain and rash include:

• chills
• a fever
• a headache
• muscle weakness
• fatigue
• upset stomach

Other severe and rare shingles symptoms include:

• bacterial infections, which makes skin red, swollen, and warm to the touch
• rash or pain around the eye, which should be taken care of in order to prevent permanent eye damage
• intense pain in the ear, loss of hearing
• dizziness
• loss of taste on the tongue

Is This Skin Condition Similar to Chickenpox?

Although caused by the same virus, shingles are different from chickenpox. Chickenpox is a milder illness that affects children whereas shingles mainly affect the elderly. On the other hand, shingles result from a reoccurrence of the varicella-zoster virus long after the chickenpox has disappeared. It is because the chicken-pox germs remain in the body, lying inactive in the roots of nerves. Moreover, a patient suffering from shingles symptoms is only contagious until the time their rash is fluid filled. Before the rash shows and after it dries out the person is no longer infectious. While shingles generally heal in about a month mostly, it can also cause long-lasting and severe pain that is difficult to treat.

Is Shingles Contagious?

Yes, shingles is contagious but it does not spread from person-to-person through direct contact. However, it contracts if people come in contact with the fluid from the blisters. In other words, when shingles is active and blisters are visible, the virus can spread. A patient is not infectious before the rash appears. Once the blisters dry out, the person is no longer contagious. If there are symptoms of shingles present, follow these instructions:

• do not touch or scratch the rash
• cover the rash
• wash hands often to prevent the spread of the virus
• avoid contact with the people, notably, pregnant women, infants and people with weak immune systems until the blister has developed crusts

What Are the Common Treatments for Shingles?

Although there is no specific cure for shingles, the right treatment may abridge the length of infection and prevent complications. Treatment options include:

• antidepressants, antiviral and pain medicines - they help in reducing the pain and duration of disease.
• topical creams and antifungal lotions - they help in soothing itchiness and provide relief to rashes.
• additional drugs, such as corticosteroids, may be suggested to reduce inflammation.

It is strictly advised to consult a doctor before taking any medications.

Can Shingles Be Treated at Home?

Sadly, there's no particular cure for shingles. However, it does tend to get better in around 2 to 4 weeks. Meanwhile, there are various natural home remedies that can help in dealing with the symptoms of this infection.

• Apply a neem compress to the affected area as it helps in healing the rash. Neem contains anti-fungal properties that act against the varicella-zoster virus. On the other hand, soaking neem leaves in bath water can provide relief.
• Use fuller earth mask to dry up the blisters. To make the compress, soak fullers earth in water and soak for some time. Make a thick paste and apply using finger and cover with gauze. Repeat it twice a day for better results.
• Salt is commonly known for its virus killing nature. Therefore, bathing with salt water can cure shingles very fast. Add salt into the bathtub or bath water and sit in it for 20-30 minutes. It helps in soothing rashes and blisters. This remedy also dries bands of rashes and water filled blister quickly.
• Applying a thin layer of vaseline and covering it with gauze prevents the skin from unnecessary irritations and infections. Besides, petroleum jelly also promotes fast healing.
• Coconut oil is another excellent remedy for treating shingles symptoms. Due to its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, it is able to reduce inflammation from the skin.

Is There Any Vaccination Available for This Condition?

As a matter of fact, there is a vaccine available for shingles. It is usually recommended for all adults age 50 and older, regardless of whether they had chickenpox or not. Even if a person has already had a bout of shingles, the vaccine is still advised as it can help prevent further outbreaks of the infection. The vaccine can be given as soon as the earlier shingles rash has disappeared. Talk to the doctor about when to get vaccinated.

Can Shingles Happen Again?

Most people who contract shingles only get it once. However, it is possible to have recurring outbreaks of the infection. Those who are at a higher risk for contracting shingles include cancer patients and people with HIV/AIDS. It may also affect people taking immunosuppressive medicines such as steroids, and those who underwent organ transplants.