Shingles
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Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus
that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and
represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus. The disease
generally affects the elderly, although it occasionally occurs in younger and/or
immunodeficient individuals. The first sign is usually a tingling feeling, itchiness,
or stabbing pain on the skin. After a few days, a rash appears as a band or patch
of raised dots on the side of the trunk or face. The rash develops into small,
fluid-filled blisters which begin to dry out and crust over within several days.
When the rash is at its peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to extreme
and intense pain. Contact with a person with shingles may cause chickenpox (but
not shingles) in someone who has never had chickenpox before.
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Treatment for shingles includes antiviral drugs, steroids, antidepressants,
anticonvulsants, and topical agents. The severity and duration of an attack
of shingles can be significantly reduced by immediate treatment with the
antiviral drugs acyclovir, valacyclovir or famcyclovir. These drugs may also
help stave off the painful aftereffects of shingles known as postherpetic
neuralgia.
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Although shingles can be very painful and itchy, it is not generally dangerous
to healthy individuals and it usually resolves without complications. The
rash and pain usually go away within 3 to 5 weeks. Sometimes serious effects
including partial facial paralysis (usually temporary), ear damage, or encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain) may occur. Persons with shingles on the upper
half of the face should seek medical attention immediately as the virus may
cause serious damage to the eyes. Most people who have shingles have only
one bout with the disease in their lifetime. However, individuals with impaired
immune systems, i.e., people with AIDS or cancer, may suffer repeated episodes.
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American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
National Chronic Pain Outreach Association (NCPOA)
VZV
Research Foundation
National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain
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Acne
