There are over a million cases of Herpes Zoster or Shingles every year in the United States. This virus is the result of previously having chickenpox. Its symptoms include a red rash that appears out of nowhere, eventually turning into painful blisters that leak a clear fluid.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. However, the difference is that this virus remains dormant in the body for many years until something weakens the immune system. Once the immune system is compromised, the virus becomes reactivated.
What causes the Immune System to be compromised?
Shingles or VZV can be distinguished from Varicella or Chickenpox by the fact that it begins as a tingling or burning of the skin which follows the nerve route and only appears on one side of the body. Common causes for this viral infection include prolonged exposure to stress, chemotherapy patients, anti-rejection medications for transplant recipients and HIV/AIDS. All these sources weaken the immune system, thus allowing the dormant virus to come alive wreaking havoc on the body.
The pain and discomfort from Herpes Zoster can be debilitating and must be managed with pain medications. In order for the pain medications to work, they must be taken within 72 hours of the first onset of symptoms. Unfortunately, the pain and discomfort can last up to six months and in some cases become chronic, lasting for many years.
What you need to deal with the pain:
Excessive pain and discomfort accompany the Herpes Zoster virus. Therefore, pain medications and antivirals must be administered. However, in order for these medications to work, they must be implemented within 72 hours of the initial outbreak of symptoms.
Medication Management:
Corticosteroids: These would include the drug Prednisone which would then be combined with acyclovir. These will decrease pain while at the same time reduce inflammation of the nerves. In addition, these two medications when put together have also shown to decrease residual nerve damage.
Analgesics: For many with mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter medications for pain can relieve this symptom. However, if the pain is severe, a doctor may need to prescribe a narcotic in order to manage the pain.
Skin lotions such as calamine are great for combating pain when applied to the leaking blisters. In addition, capsaicin is effective for blisters that have crusted over. Furthermore, pain patches such as lidocaine or Xylocaine and nerve blocks are highly effective in easing zoster infection pain.
Herpes Zoster Keratitis (eye shingles) is a complication of herpes zoster, and is treated with antiviral medications. This serious complication can cause temporary or permanent vision loss, and needs medical treatment right away.
An additional serious complication of the zoster infection is Postherpetic Neuralgia. This condition is composed of severe, debilitating pain that occurs long after the blisters have healed. Unfortunately, it can last for six months or longer and requires medications such as topical skin applications, analgesics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants in order to manage it.
Herpes zoster is mostly seen in people 60 years of age and older, although children and young adults get it as well. Having had a prior chickenpox infection makes you vulnerable for developing shingles. However, if you have never had chickenpox before and have never been vaccinated against it, avoid people who have an active shingles infection, or you could find yourself with your first case of chickenpox!
More Information:
A licensed registered nurse with great passion for writing, Barb Hicks loves to share her experience about
Symptoms of Shingles with others. You can find more of her lessons including
Pictures of Shingles on Clivir.com.
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