Shingles is a painful skin rash caused due to the reactivation of a virus called Varicella-zoster. This virus is responsible for chicken pox. The characteristics of this disease are painful blistering rashes on the skin. Shingles is basically developed when the immune system of the person fails to fight the chicken pox virus. Shingles can not be transmitted from one person to the other; however because of direct skin contact the person might catch chicken pox. In the beginning, the patient will experience a mild pain, itchiness, and tingling sensation in the skin; however with time there will be fluid-filled blistering rashes on the skin. These rashes are confined only to particular parts of the body. A person suffering from shingles must maintain distance from others who are not immune to chicken pox or have not taken its vaccination.
Causes
Shingles is caused by Varicella-zoster virus which falls under the category of herpes virus. This virus tends to lie dormant in the body of an individual after he/she has recuperated from chicken-pox. In some people this virus gets reactivated due to one or the other reasons. On reactivation this virus causes shingles, not chicken pox.
There are various things that might trigger this virus and cause shingles:
1. Weak immune system
People having a weak immune system are more likely to suffer from shingles. The virus can easily get reactivated in such people. Immune system can be weakened due to many reasons like injuries, disease, or simply aging. People above the age of 60 are more prone to shingles than the younger ones. A few of the medicines can also be held responsible for weakening the immune system.
2. Transmission
Shingles can never be transmitted from one person to the other. If you come in contact with a person suffering from shingles you are at a risk of catching chicken pox. The risk exists only if you are not immune to chicken pox. It is thus recommended that you must get the chicken pox vaccination for immunization.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of shingles are pain, itching, tingling, and burning sensation. These symptoms might last for a month or even for some years.
1. Pain
One sided pain is observed in particular regions only. This marks the onset of shingles disease.
2. Itching and tingling
The area tends to itch irritably along with a tingling sensation. This makes the patient very restless. It is advised not to scratch the skin as that will only further increase the irritation.
3. Red patches and rashes
Red patches and rashes can be observed on the skin of the patient. The rash can occur on the eyes, face, ears, mouth, etc. The rash will only be on one side of the body be it right or left.
4. Blisters
The red patches are soon covered with fluid filled blisters. When these blisters break, small ulcers covered with crusts are formed. The crusts are formed as the blister dries up. Within 2-3 weeks the crusts of the blisters heel.
Stages of development
Shingles usually develops in three stages; prodormal stage, active stage, and the post herpetic neuralgia.
1. In the prodormal stage, there is only pain, burning sensation, itching, etc. They’re no rashes developed on the skin at this stage. Some flu like symptoms are also observed in a few people, they tend to suffer from stomach aches, chills, and diarrhea. Some people might also face swollen and tender lymph nodes.
2. As far as the active stage is concerned rash and blisters tend to develop at this stage.
3. The post herpetic stage is the stage also called as the chronic pain stage. The person might suffer from pain and sensitivity in the area where shingles got developed.
It is very important to consult the doctor in the very first stage of shingles to prevent scarring and reduce the duration of the disease and the post herpetic stage.
