Shingles: Should You See a Doctor?

Posted April 27th, 2004 by jack

Shingles

Yes, you should see a doctor as early as possible if you
suspect that you have shingles. The symptoms of shingles are
a rash that turns into blisters which turns into a dry scab.
These symptoms can be seen all over the body and can be very
irritating and itchy. It will be followed by general illness;
fever, headaches and tiredness.

Shingles is not something you can catch. It is the result
of reactivation of the virus Varicella Herpes Zoster which
remains latent in the body after chickenpox. It is thus only
people who had chickenpox, typically in childhood (90% of the
worlds population), who risk getting shingles. 1 in 5 seniors
will get it and out of those 1 in 5 will get Post-Herpetic
Neuralgia. It is now known why it is usually the seniors who
get shingles, and it is not known why some seniors get it and
others don't.

See Your Doctor Immediately if You Suspect Shingles

The reason it is so important to see a doctor as early as
possible, is that the treatment will work best if started
early. There is no cure for shingles, but an antiviral agent
such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir or Famciclovir will usually
be prescribed to help fight the virus and reduce the risk
of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, the most serious complication
of shingles. An antiviral agent will also reduce the
duration and severity of shingles.

Other than antiviral agents you can do the following to
ease the symptoms of shingles:

Take lukewarm baths
Wear loose cotton clothing
Avoid getting hot and sweaty
Make sure you are properly hydrated
Use soothing lotions such as aloe vera
Use local anesthetic cream
Take pain killers
Take fever reducing medications

Whatever you do, be sure to see a doctor immediately if you
think you have shingles.

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Herpes Doctor