Shingles: Symptoms, Risk factors, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Shingles
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Shingles

• Shingles is a skin infection that results in the
  formation of multiple skin rashes and boils. A
  virus known as varicella-zoster causes shingles.
  Rashes due to shingles generally appear on one
  side of the face or body. Shingles usually last
  for 1-3 weeks and it is possible that it may not
  occur more than once in the same person. There
  are more than 1 million cases of shingles per
  year in India. Around one in three individuals
  will develop shingles at least once in their
  lifetime. Shingles is also known as herpes
  zoster. It is mandatory to get zostavax vaccine
  twice- First between 12 to 15 months and second
  between 4-6 years of age to prevent the risk
  of viral infection in children. 

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Causes of Shingles 

• Shingles is caused by the virus varicella-
  zoster. However, there is no exact cause known
  why varicella-zoster starts multiplying. Zoster
  virus is a type of virus that causes chickenpox.
  Once you have had chickenpox, this virus remains
  into your nerve roots and may become active again
  resulting in rashes known as Shingles. Shingles
  is quite common among older adults as their
  immune system weakens when they reach the age of
  60. Weak immune system makes a person more
  susceptible to shingles and other viral
  infections. 

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Risk factors of Shingles

• These are the certain risk factors that may
  increase the chances of developing shingles in
  some individuals. 
• Undergoing or underwent chemotherapy
• People with weak immune system
• People with AIDS, HIV, or Cancer
• Being 60 or older
• People who had an organ transplant
• Side effects of steroids or other medications

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Symptoms

• In initial stages, a patient may feel pain on
  one side of the body where shingles appear in
  small patches. Other common symptoms of shingles
  are 
• Itching and burning sensation
• Fluid filled boils that drain easily
• Rashes on the face and ear
• Reoccurrence of blisters
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Muscle weakness

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Symptoms
Continue

• Severe symptoms of shingles include Extreme
  pain in the ear that may result in loss of
  hearing
• Frequent dizziness
• Dying taste buds on your tongue
• Inflamed skin
• Bacterial infection

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Diagnosis of Shingles 

• A dermatologist can diagnose shingles with a
  physical examination of boils and rashes. A
  patient should tell the doctor about their
  medical history. Sometimes a dermatologist may
  order a lab test which involves taking a sample
  of fluid from the boils. The sample is further
  observed under microscope. This type of diagnosis
  will help in determining the suitable treatment
  for shingles.

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Treatment

• There is no permanent cure available for
  shingles, but medicines can help to ease the
  symptoms and prevent infection from spreading
  further. Anti-inflammatory and anti-viral
  medicines can reduce pain, swelling, and speed up
  the recovery process. Numbing creams, gels,
  patches can treat itching and prolonged pain.
  Apply cold packs directly over the shingles to
  get relief from pain and irritation.
  Apply calamine lotion and take colloidal baths to
  ease pain and itching. Avoid scratching boils and
  apply baking soda to help the sores dry quickly.

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