Shingles/Post Herpetic Neuralgia
Shingles usually starts with itching, tingling, and pain on one side of the body. It most often occurs in the trunk, but may affect the leg or even the face. A very typical blistering rash forms on the skin in the same region 1 to 5 days after the initial symptoms (itching, tingling, pain). The rash will then scab over in about a week and clear up in 2-4 weeks.
Evaluating Your Condition
WHAT CAUSES SHINGLES?
Shingles is a very painful skin condition caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV – the same virus that causes chickenpox).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SHINGLES?
- Itching, tingling and pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Upset stomach
HOW CAN I PREVENT SHINGLES?
There is now a vaccine to protect against shingles. The CDC recommends that all patients over the age of 60 receive the vaccine. The varicella virus is highly contagious, so patients with active shingles should avoid pregnant women, children and infants who have not had chickenpox, and people who are immune deficient (like those with cancer, HIV, or who have received an organ transplant).
Common Treatments Available for Shingles/Post Herpetic Neuralgia
There is now a vaccine to protect against shingles. The CDC recommends that all patients over the age of 60 receive the vaccine. The varicella virus is highly contagious, so patients with active shingles should avoid pregnant women, children and infants who have not had chickenpox, and people who are immune deficient (like those with cancer, HIV, or who have received an organ transplant).
