Shingles Disease Information

Shingles, also known as the Herpes zoster virus, is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus. This usually occurs during adulthood. However, unlike the rash caused by the chickenpox virus, which covers large parts of the body, shingles will usually only affect a small area of skin on one side of the body. After the chickenpox virus ends in childhood, it resides within the spinal column. The virus remains there, dormant, until at some future time, it is activated. As the shingles virus reactivates, its activity is limited to a single nerve branch. This explains why the shingles rash is generally restricted to one side of the body. Despite the sound of its medical name, the Herpes Zoster virus is not to blame.

The shingles virus is noted for the intense pain accompanying the shingles rash. Although most people suffer only one attack, repeated bouts of the rash can occur–usually located at the same place as the first rash. Even after the shingles rash disappears, some patients continue to have pain at the site of the rash. This pain is called postherpetic neuralgia. Some researchers believe shingles occur when the immune system is weakened, but there is no definitive answer. There is medication that will shorten the length of the outbreak. In order to be effective, you should be seen by a doctor within the first 72 hours the outbreak of the rash. The rash caused by shingles and the extreme pain are just a couple of symptoms, but there are more symptoms of shingles.

Shingles will do damage to your skin. Once you are over the outbreak, the skin at the site of the rash will be dry, flaky, and perhaps scarred. It will need a little extra care to get it supple again. Be sure to use a moisturizing soap and lotion until it’s back to normal.