The VZV virus or the varicella zoster virus is the very same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. Both of these diseases appear at first like a red rash with pimples that eventually explode into seeping, fluid filled blisters riddled with pain. Anyone who has had shingles describes it as having an angrier version of chickenpox.
Generally, the disease runs its course within two weeks. During that time the blisters become crust covered and will most likely leave a scar. When the crust layer has formed on the blister, they are no longer contagious. Anyone who has never contracted chickenpox and is exposed to an active shingles infection is at a high risk for contracting chickenpox.
The VZV virus exists in a latent stage for years after a chickenpox event. Certain conditions and medications can reactivate the virus to return as shingles. It is a painful disease that often calls for medical attention to manage the pain and other symptoms. There are approximately one million cases of herpes zoster in the US per year.
For reasons not yet known to scientists, African Americans have shown a lower incidence of shingles than Caucasians.
Oddly, the first symptom of shingles is extreme pain where the virus has remained dormant and a rash has not yet appeared. Additional symptoms include those similar to flu. Signs such as fever, chills and headache are most common.
The measurement of pain for shingles can be mild to severe. This pain is then followed by a rash that is typically slower to progress than chickenpox. The disease will generally appear on the abdomen or chest and generally only on one side. The rash will also follow a dermatomal pattern or pattern along the affected nerve.
There is a common complication of shingles or herpes zoster called PHN or postherpetic neuralgia, which is extremely painful and can last for many years. In addition, bacterial infections are common among those afflicted with shingles. That is why it is imperative that the blisters be kept clean.
Shingles is commonly thought of as a disease of the elderly as our immune systems falter as we grow older. However, those with HIV/AIDS, cancer and organ transplants also have a diminished immune system which makes them vulnerable as well. Furthermore, anyone having had the chickenpox is at risk for this zoster infection any time later in life; including children.
Laboratory tests will confirm a diagnosis of shingles as well as its common characteristics such as appearing on only one side of the body.
Treatments such as lotions, creams, analgesics, antiviral, antiepileptic, antidepression medications and steroids are the most common.
Generally, the disease runs its course within two weeks. During that time the blisters become crust covered and will most likely leave a scar. When the crust layer has formed on the blister, they are no longer contagious. Anyone who has never contracted chickenpox and is exposed to an active shingles infection is at a high risk for contracting chickenpox.
The VZV virus exists in a latent stage for years after a chickenpox event. Certain conditions and medications can reactivate the virus to return as shingles. It is a painful disease that often calls for medical attention to manage the pain and other symptoms. There are approximately one million cases of herpes zoster in the US per year.
For reasons not yet known to scientists, African Americans have shown a lower incidence of shingles than Caucasians.
Oddly, the first symptom of shingles is extreme pain where the virus has remained dormant and a rash has not yet appeared. Additional symptoms include those similar to flu. Signs such as fever, chills and headache are most common.
The measurement of pain for shingles can be mild to severe. This pain is then followed by a rash that is typically slower to progress than chickenpox. The disease will generally appear on the abdomen or chest and generally only on one side. The rash will also follow a dermatomal pattern or pattern along the affected nerve.
There is a common complication of shingles or herpes zoster called PHN or postherpetic neuralgia, which is extremely painful and can last for many years. In addition, bacterial infections are common among those afflicted with shingles. That is why it is imperative that the blisters be kept clean.
Shingles is commonly thought of as a disease of the elderly as our immune systems falter as we grow older. However, those with HIV/AIDS, cancer and organ transplants also have a diminished immune system which makes them vulnerable as well. Furthermore, anyone having had the chickenpox is at risk for this zoster infection any time later in life; including children.
Laboratory tests will confirm a diagnosis of shingles as well as its common characteristics such as appearing on only one side of the body.
Treatments such as lotions, creams, analgesics, antiviral, antiepileptic, antidepression medications and steroids are the most common.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and passionate health writer on Clivir.com where you can find more of her lessons about Shingles Causes and How is Shingles Treated.
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