Shingles, a viral infection characterized by painful blisters and rashes, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one-third of individuals in the United States will experience shingles at some point in their lives, including both adults and children. Adults aged 50 and older may have a higher risk of contracting this infection. Hence, the CDC recommends two doses of the Shingrix vaccine as a preventive measure against shingles.
Shingles, known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash that can lead to lasting nerve damage or vision problems, as defined by the World Health Organization. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox is thought to be susceptible to this infection. Essentially, even though chickenpox symptoms may disappear, the virus remains latent, residing within nerve cells.
Shingles presents as a red rash on the skin, accompanied by pain and a burning sensation. Unlike chickenpox, it typically appears on one side of the body, confined to a specific area such as the torso, neck, or face. While most cases of shingles resolve within 3-5 weeks, the condition can recur multiple times, potentially impacting quality of life. Symptoms include aching, burning, and stabbing pain, with complications like post-herpetic neuralgia. Vaccination is recommended for individuals over 50, those with compromised immune systems, and others. It is not contagious unless contact is made with the blisters by someone lacking immunity to chickenpox, according to experts.
Symptoms
According to the CDC, the initial symptom of shingles is pain and burning, typically localized to one side of the body and affecting a specific area of the skin known as a dermatome. This is often followed by the appearance of a red rash.
Pain and Burning Sensation
Shingles typically commences with a burning sensation in a particular region of the body, often accompanied by pain, tingling, or numbness. This discomfort can range from mild to intense and is usually confined to one side of the body. While it can occur anywhere, it commonly affects the torso or face.
Red Rash
Red Rash Within a few days of onset, a distinctive red rash emerges, typically appearing on one side of the body or face. The rash, often red in color, may vary in hue from dark pink to purplish or brown, depending on skin tone. It can provoke itching and a burning sensation.
Blisters
Blisters As the rash progresses, it may give rise to fluid-filled blisters that form on the reddened skin. These blisters, varying in size from small to large, are prone to rupture easily. Surrounded by inflamed skin, they can cause considerable pain.
Flu-like Symptoms
Flu-like Symptoms Some individuals may exhibit flu-like symptoms, including a mild fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Fever is the body’s natural response to infection and inflammation and may be present in more severe cases of shingles.
Itching and Sensitivity to Touch
Itching and Sensitivity to Touch “In addition to the pain, the afflicted area may experience itching. However, scratching the rash can intensify discomfort and heighten the risk of infection. Moreover, the skin may become sensitive to touch, causing even light contact to induce pain or discomfort,” elucidates Dr. Patade.
Scabbing
Scabbing Following a few days, the blisters may rupture, resulting in the development of shallow ulcers. These ulcers subsequently form scabs or crusts as part of the healing process.
What Causes Shingles?
Shingles is triggered by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. While it can affect individuals who have had chickenpox, it remains uncertain why it impacts certain individuals while others remain unaffected.
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus responsible for chickenpox, can affect individuals who have previously had chickenpox, though not everyone develops the condition. Various factors contribute to its occurrence, including a weakened immune system, stress, ageing, certain medications, recent surgery, and underlying medical conditions compromising immunity.
Ageing, in particular, plays a significant role, as the natural decline in immune function with age can make it harder for the body to control latent viruses like varicella-zoster. These factors can trigger the reactivation of the virus, leading to the characteristic symptoms of shingles, such as pain, rash, and blistering, typically localized to one side of the body.
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