Shingles, or chickenpox, causes painful blisters that are typically seen on the face, head, and neck. However, some people develop a bluish rash that begins on the top of the head and gradually grows downward until it reaches the base of the skull. Shingles is most common in adults but can occur at any age.
Shingles Causes The viral agent enters the body through one of the many tiny cuts on the skin that may occur from a cold sore. When chickenpox runs its course after chickenpox, the virus passes through the body and goes directly to the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. Don't know why this happens, but sometimes, the virus returns to its skin and fights off the last virus that triggered it by sticking to the surface of dead skin cells. This is what causes shingles. Sometimes, shingles can be confused for a cold sore, so make sure you see a doctor right away if you suspect you have shingles.
After the shingles virus has established itself inside the body, it starts to multiply and spread to other parts of the body. Eventually, it can lead to a form of arthritis called disseminated encephalomyelitis, or DME. This can cause a severe case of fatigue, seizures, and loss of consciousness, even with adequate medical care.
Shingles and chickenpox share some symptoms, such as fever and a thickening of the skin that feels like an orange peel. You may also experience pain or itchiness around your eye or ears. Although the outbreaks are similar in appearance, their effects are very different. Since chickenpox causes a high fever, a case of shingles often causes little or no fever at all. It is a symptom of the actual illness, and the symptoms of the condition can sometimes mimic other ailments.
Shingles is treated with medical treatment that includes antiviral drugs. These drugs kill the virus, which allows the body to heal itself, preventing the virus from spreading. The most common medications used include steroids, which are given in high doses to help the body heal, and corticosteroids, which provide pain relief for the infected area.
Shingles Treatments For shingles can vary and depends on how severe the infection is
For mild cases, doctors may recommend pain relievers and pain medication. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Sometimes, antibiotics may be used, too, although they don't work well for the treatment of chickenpox.
Some people find it beneficial to follow a chickenpox vaccine, as this can help control the outbreaks and reduce the chances of developing them again. However, most doctors recommend people who have never had chickenpox before to avoid getting vaccinated because they think the vaccine may not work on a case-by-case basis. There are a variety of shingles treatments available, including injections and ointments.
To prevent outbreaks of shingles, make sure you are taking care of yourself by avoiding colds and flu, as well as getting plenty of rest and avoiding any irritants. Some people find that certain foods, such as chocolate and caffeine, can trigger their outbreak. If you suspect you have shingles or chickenpox, it's best to seek medical attention immediately.
A lot of people who have chickenpox and shingles get them again within a year of each other. In some cases, a second episode can occur after a third one. So if you have been infected with chickenpox once, don't be afraid to get it again. Even if you have experienced an outbreak, if you've been vaccinated and never had it again, you are still protected against it.
Natural Remedies You can treat shingles using natural shingles remedies and home remedies that use substances that you probably already have available at home. Some common ingredients for treating outbreaks include vitamin E, zinc oxide, saltwater, olive leaf extract, and garlic, among others.
Other home remedies include lemon balm and tea tree oil, which may be effective when used as a topical treatment. If none of these remedies seem effective, you may want to visit your doctor.