What You Should Do for Shingles
If you’ve ever had chicken pox,
you’re a candidate for shingles.
They’re both caused by the same
virus. Once this virus enters your system,
it’s there to stay. Illness, trauma,
stressors or nothing at all will awaken
the virus at some point. Anyone can
get shingles, but it’s most common in
adults older than age 50.
A vaccine now cuts the risk of developing shingles. This vaccine is currently approved for adults age 60 and older.
The first symptoms of shingles are usually pain, burning, tingling, or itching. A few days later, a red rash of fluid-filled blisters appears. They usually appear in clusters spanning one side of the body or circling the waist.
However, if shingles appears on the face, serious and sometimes permanent vision and hearing problems can occur. In addition, shingles will sometimes leave behind postherpetic neuralgia. This is severe pain caused by damage to the affected nerve fibers. Headaches and facial paralysis may accompany the pain.
Shingles usually heals by itself within a month. However, to help speed up the healing process and avoid complications, it’s important to see your health care provider right away. Prescription pain relievers, ointments, and other medications can provide relief. Your provider can also recommend nonprescription pain relievers and self-care measures that might lessen discomfort.
