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People who have had
chickenpox before can
develop shingles because
the virus never
completely leaves the
body. Shingles
occurs when the virus
starts up again.
This happens when there
is a decrease in the
body's resistance,
allowing the virus to
start multiplying and
move along the nerve
towards the skin.
Shingles is more
common in older adults
and people who have weak
immune systems.
Prescribed medicines are
effective if the
infection is spotted
early. Otherwise,
the person may
experience serious pain
for weeks or months.
Shingles is not highly
infectious and
cross-infection from one
person to another is
uncommon, but children
may develop chickenpox
from contact with the
virus in adults.
It is infectious, to
this degree, until the
last blister has
crusted. Most
people who get shingles
will get better and will
not get it again.
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Signs and
Symptoms of
Shingles |
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The first symptom is
a burning pain in
the skin along the
line of the affected
nerve. The affected
areas are sensitive
to touch. This
may last for one to
three days before
rash occurs.
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The rash usually
occurs on one side
of the body at face
or trunk level. It
is usually at a
specific and defined
area – the area of
the skin served by
the affected nerves.
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A group of blisters
then forms on the
rash. The blisters
generally last for
two to three weeks,
during which time
they accumulate pus
and then crust over
and begin to
disappear.
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Some people only get
a mild rash, and
some do not get a
rash at all. The
number of blisters
also varies.
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Other symptoms include:
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A vague feeling of
bodily weakness or
discomfort.
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Encourage bed rest
during the early
stage of infection.
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Provide a
high-calorie
nutritious diet to
increase body
resistance.
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Administer
medications as
prescribed.
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Calamine lotion may
give some temporary
relief from the
irritation of the
rash.
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Cool compresses may
be applied to the
affected skin areas.
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Prevent infection
and scaring by
taking good care of
the affected areas.
Do not scratch or
apply toxic home
remedies on
blisters. Always
keep the skin clean.
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Post-herpetic
neuralgia, a
condition where the
person experiences
constant or episodic
pain even after the
rash has healed.
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Delayed healing of
the skin due to
infection of the
blisters. In such
case, antibiotic
treatment is
required.
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High fever and
spread of the
disease all over the
body.
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Permanent eye damage
can result if the
blisters involve the
eye region.
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Shingles can cause
scarring if the
blisters are
infected.
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An attack of
shingles in the
pelvic area can
affect bladder or
bowel function.
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