An Explanation of Shingles
For those who have never suffered from shingles before, it’s difficult to understand what the disease is really all about. Shingles, or herpes zoster as it is otherwise known, can more or less be described as an adult form of chicken pox. In actual fact, it’s a reactivation of chicken pox in adults. But whereas children get a rash all over, adults with shingles only have a small area of skin affected.
The symptoms of shingles include a rash that follows the paths of certain nerves. Generally, the affected nerves are found in the scalp, neck, face or body.
Usually, shingles only affects those over 50; it is rare for younger adults to suffer from the symptoms of shingles. As is common with the chicken pox, most individuals only get one outbreak of shingles in their live time. The outbreaks normally occur in the same place in the unlikely event of another outbreak.
There are some other symptoms besides the rash. Shingles on the face can affect the nose and eyes. Go to your doctor straight away if you get shingles on the face as this can cause blindness.
While you have the rash, you will experience many of the same symptoms children do with chicken pox. Some of the earlier symptoms are headache, general discomfort and fever. A few days before the rash appears, you may feel some pain in the area. On rare occasions you may not even get a rash.
If you do break out, you will notice a line of red spots in the middle of a swollen area|A line of reddish spots appear at the centre of the swollen region|The center of the swollen area may have a line of red spots}. The spots will blister and, if popped, will ooze clear fluid. Eventually, the blisters will crust over. They could hurt, itch or even bleed. Once the rash vanishes, some people still experience pain around the area.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this article is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it beused for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.