Herpes zoster, also known as shingles is a viral infection. It occurs as a result of the varicella-zoster virus re-emerging after many years. The cause othe virus re-activation is usually unknown. But it seems to be linked to aging, stress, or an impaired immune system. It might cause a painful rash.
It isn’t a serious condition. However, the rash can lead to a debilitating complication called postherpetic neuralgia. This condition causes the skin to remain painful and sensitive to touch for months or even years after the rash clears up.
Besides flu-like symptoms without fever, pain, burning, itching, numbness, and red rash with fluid-filled blisters, the other symptoms are fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.
Mostly, the rash occurs only on one side of your body as band of blisters that wraps from the middle of your back around one side of your chest to your breastbone, following the path of the nerve where the virus had been dormant.
Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles, VZV, can be spread from a person with active shingles to a person who has never had chickenpox through direct contact with the rash. The person exposed would then develop chickenpox, not shingles.
The virus is not spread through sneezing, coughing or casual contact. A person with shingles can spread the disease when the rash is in the blister-phase. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious.
Shingles usually can heal on its own within a few weeks. However, for those with weak immune systems and older than 65 years of age. But, doctors might prescribe painkillers if the pain is severe. Or, you might try topical ointment called capsaicin (Zostrix, Zostrix-HP) to sooth the pain.
And, make sure you take a good rest as welll as keep the affected area very clean.
