Shingles Symptoms
In this article we will look at what is shingles, shingles symptoms and causes as well as treatments for shingles.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is essentially a painful skin rash. This skin inflammation is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Once you have had the chickenpox virus, it lies dormant in your system and can be reactivated at a future time. This reactivation of the virus is called Shingles.
The rash can appear anywhere on your body however it is more common on your lower torso.
Shingles Symptoms
Shingles symptoms may occur even without visibly seeing the rash. You may feel some pain around your lower torso before seeing any formation of the rash or blisters. Shingles follow the nerves of the spinal cord and so it is typical to see shingles symptoms around that area.
Some other shingles symptoms include a burning sensation, again probably prior to seeing any actual rash. In addition to the rash itself there maybe blisters that form which can burst, crusting over and becoming itchy.
Unfortunately the first sign of having shingles symptoms is pain, which can be quite excruciating. From there the rash and blisters will start. It is not often that you would associate any form of pain as Shingles and therefore it is uncommon to diagnose Shingles at an early stage. Once the rash or blisters start then it becomes more apparent.
Shingles Treatment
So you have the symptoms of shingles, so now how do you treat them?
Well the sooner you start treatment the better so don't put off going to see your doctor or visiting your local pharmacy. The good news is that there are some very good anti-virus drugs out there such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex) or Famciclovir (Famvir). These will help reduce the rash and hopefully some of the itching that you may have.
As shingles can be painful you may also want to take some painkillers to get you through. Something like Ibuprofen should suffice however if the pain continues, you should visit your doctor.
Anti-itching lotions can also be used to help with the itching which can be applied after taking a cool bath, washing the area with soap and water.
The key is that if you do have any form of shingles symptoms that you begin treatment as soon as possible, which will help with both the pain and the rash.
We wish you luck in your healthy recovery.
In this article we will look at what is shingles, shingles symptoms and causes as well as treatments for shingles.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is essentially a painful skin rash. This skin inflammation is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Once you have had the chickenpox virus, it lies dormant in your system and can be reactivated at a future time. This reactivation of the virus is called Shingles.
The rash can appear anywhere on your body however it is more common on your lower torso.
Shingles Symptoms
Shingles symptoms may occur even without visibly seeing the rash. You may feel some pain around your lower torso before seeing any formation of the rash or blisters. Shingles follow the nerves of the spinal cord and so it is typical to see shingles symptoms around that area.
Some other shingles symptoms include a burning sensation, again probably prior to seeing any actual rash. In addition to the rash itself there maybe blisters that form which can burst, crusting over and becoming itchy.
Unfortunately the first sign of having shingles symptoms is pain, which can be quite excruciating. From there the rash and blisters will start. It is not often that you would associate any form of pain as Shingles and therefore it is uncommon to diagnose Shingles at an early stage. Once the rash or blisters start then it becomes more apparent.
Shingles Treatment
So you have the symptoms of shingles, so now how do you treat them?
Well the sooner you start treatment the better so don't put off going to see your doctor or visiting your local pharmacy. The good news is that there are some very good anti-virus drugs out there such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex) or Famciclovir (Famvir). These will help reduce the rash and hopefully some of the itching that you may have.
As shingles can be painful you may also want to take some painkillers to get you through. Something like Ibuprofen should suffice however if the pain continues, you should visit your doctor.
Anti-itching lotions can also be used to help with the itching which can be applied after taking a cool bath, washing the area with soap and water.
The key is that if you do have any form of shingles symptoms that you begin treatment as soon as possible, which will help with both the pain and the rash.
We wish you luck in your healthy recovery.