Shingles
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chicken pox. Unlike chicken pox, shingles is not contagious, but lies dormant in your body after you have chicken pox. Characterized by an itchy, painful rash that forms blisters on one side of the body, shingles can cause severe complications, such as changes in vision and hearing, or pain lasting up to several years after the shingles rash is gone. Most people that have shingles have compromised immunity, or are over the age of 50, although 20% of the population will develop shingles at some point in their lives. Certain antiviral medications can slow down the virus and offer pain relief, although no cure exists for shingles. If you are over 60 years old, talk to your doctor about the possibility of being vaccinated for shingles.
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- Q What is postherpetic neuralgia?
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Postherpetic neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects your nerves and skin. It results from nerve damage caused by shingles, which is a product of the varicella-zoster virus (this is the same virus that causes chickenpox). When the virus causes... Full Answer
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- Q What is shingles?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIf you've had chickenpox, you could get shingles later in life. Watch the video to learn more from Dr. Oz about shingles. Full Answer
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- Q Is shingles serious?
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Shingles is a serious condition that can cause severe symptoms in some people, especially those with weakened immune systems. In some cases, shingles can also lead to serious complications such as nerve damage and loss of vision. It may be more... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for shingles?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYou have an increased risk for shingles if either of the following applies to you: You're over 40. Shingles typically strikes middle-aged and older adults. The risk rises significantly after you turn 60. Your immune system is weakened. The immune... Full Answer
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- Q Can children get shingles?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyShingles primarily afflicts adults, but children can develop this painful condition. A child is most at risk for developing shingles if his or her mother developed chickenpox late in her pregnancy. If a woman gets chickenpox between five and 21... Full Answer
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- Q Is shingles contagious?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyShingles can only occur in a body that's already had chickenpox, so shingles itself isn't contagious, but the virus that causes it is. Someone with shingles could pass chickenpox to someone who hasn't had it, but this requires contact with a broken... Full Answer
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- Q How should I manage shingles symptoms?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYour doctor can prescribe medications that will help you manage shingles symptoms. Common symptoms of shingles include itching, a burning sensation, and pain. Doctors typically give antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famcyclovir to... Full Answer
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- Q How should I cleanse my skin if I have shingles?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyShingles can be very painful and usually causes a blistering rash, so you need to take extra care when cleansing your skin. A cool bath may give you some pain relief and cool the rash. Shingles can occur in varying degrees with mild symptoms... Full Answer
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- Q What should I know about caring for someone with shingles?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIf you're caring for a person with shingles, make sure he or she sees a doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment for shingles can dramatically reduce the risk for long-term complications. Shingles is treated with antiviral medications, which... Full Answer
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- Q How should I moisturize my skin if I have shingles?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyShingles occurs in varying degrees that range from a slight rash to a very painful blistering rash. If your case of shingles is mild, you may be able to use your regular moisturizer. However, if your case of shingles is severe, talk to your... Full Answer
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