Herpes zoster is also called as Shingles is a type of skin rash infecting skin and nerves and is transmitted through virus called Varicella Zoster which belongs to herpes family. However this has no connection with the herpes disease transmitted by sexual intercourse. The same virus is responsible for causing chickenpox and it lives on the nervous system of the infected person. Under heightened stressful situation, the virus gets activated causing shingles.
The affected person may get burning pain and irritant skin on the affected area. In some cases, there may not be any rash. It usually starts as tiny blisters on the skin which gets erupted with fluid after 2 or 3 days. These blisters will take the path of nerves from cord resembling ray-like pattern on the area of the skin. Depending on the intensity of illness, the entire path of the nerves may get affected or only on the areas of painful blisters.
Usually physical examination of the affected area is sufficient for diagnosing shingles. In some cases, lab test may be done for identifying the virus.
Shingles are highly contagious and can easily spread from one person to other. It does not spare people who have not got chickenpox also. Treatment for shingles is available by taking antiviral medications or prescription drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir. In severe case of infection, your doctor may prescribe pain controlling non-steroidal medications. Keep the affected area clean and hygiene. You can use cool compresses and creams available for itching from the counter. Calamine lotion is recommended for healing and cooling down the rashes.
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