What Is Shingles and How Do You Know If You Have It?
Shingles is a painful skin condition that affects many people, especially older adults. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox – the varicella-zoster virus. After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in their body in an inactive form. Years later, the virus can become active again and cause shingles.
What Causes Shingles?
The main cause of shingles is the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. This usually happens when the immune system becomes weaker due to age, stress, illness, or certain medications. Shingles is not caused by new exposure to the virus – it is the old chickenpox virus coming back.
Shingles is not passed from one person to another like a cold. However, someone with shingles can pass the virus to a person who has never had chickenpox. In such cases, the person exposed might develop chickenpox, not shingles.
What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?
Shingles symptoms often start with a tingling, itching, or burning feeling on one side of the body or face. This is usually followed by pain and the appearance of a red rash in the same area. The rash usually develops into small blisters filled with fluid.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- A painful rash on one side of the body, often the torso or face
- Blisters that break open and crust over
- Burning, tingling, or numbness in the affected area
- Fever or headache (in some cases)
- Sensitivity to light or toucherpetic
- The pain from shingles can be quite severe, and even after the rash heals, some people may continue to feel pain in the area
How Is Shingles Diagnosed?
A pharmacist or GP may be able to diagnose shingles by looking at the rash and asking about your symptoms. In some cases, tests may be done to confirm it, especially if the rash is not typical or appears in unusual places.
It’s important to get advice as soon as you notice symptoms. Early shingles diagnosis means you can start treatment quickly, which may help reduce the severity and length of the illness.
What Is the Treatment for Shingles?
There is no cure for shingles, but early treatment can help. Antiviral medicines are usually prescribed to make the illness shorter and less painful. These medicines work best if started within three days of the rash appearing.
You may also be given pain relief, such as paracetamol or other stronger medicines, depending on how bad your pain is. In some cases, our experts may also recommend creams or cold packs to ease the itch and discomfort.
For those over 50, the shingles vaccine is offered to help prevent the condition. It doesn’t guarantee full protection, but it can reduce your chances of getting shingles or make it milder if you do get it.
Take Action Early – Get Expert Advice
Worried about a painful rash or strange tingling on one side of your body? Don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact experts at S & S Chemists for expert guidance from our trained pharmacists. Whether you’re seeking answers about shingles symptoms, treatment options, or pain relief, we’re here to help. Book an appointment today and take control of your health with care that’s close to home.