The Shingles Virus Explained
Like other herpes viruses (like those causing cold sores or genital herpes), the herpes zoster virus that causes chickenpox never really leaves the body. While people rarely develop chickenpox a second time, a weakened immune system can allow for a later resurgence as the shingles virus. Age is one of the most common factors for shingles. While teenagers and young adults have been known to come down with shingles, researchers say the odds increase drastically after age 60, when over 50% of cases occur. Sometimes people come down with shingles due to extreme emotional stress or physical stress from mono or another health condition.
Doctors diagnose the shingles virus once the painful rash appears by looking at the way the spots are distributed. Most commonly, the shingles rash appears in a defined band on one side of the torso or face. This appears different from dermatitis and poison ivy. In fact, the word "shingles" itself derives from the Latin word "cingulum," which means girdle or belt. A lab diagnosis can also confirm the viral nature of the telltale spots. Most people will receive an oral anti-viral and chronic pain medications from their doctors and go home to recover over the month without incident. However, some people experience rather severe complications.
While the shingles virus will come and go without incident for most Americans, there are several types of complications that may arise from the herpes zoster virus. For one, just like chickenpox, it's often difficult to resist scratching the itchy and painful rash. Scratching can cause a bacterial infection on the surface of the skin, and it can also leave the body with significant scarring that may even require plastic surgery. Another serious complication occurs when shingles affects the face, which can damage one's hearing or vision (which is called Ramsay Hunt syndrome). Post-herpetic neuralgia is a third serious complication, which is a never-ending painful condition that results from nerve damage and severe inflammation.
Many people wonder if the shingles virus is contagious. While the chickenpox virus is extremely contagious and easily spreads from one person to the next via contact with the skin or lesion fluid, a person cannot get shingles from someone who has shingles. However, a person who has never had chickenpox can get the virus from someone with an active case of shingles. Therefore, people in the blistering rash stage are generally advised to stay away from pregnant women, children and those who've never had chickenpox -- at least until the sores heal.
Related topics about Shingles Virus
Treating Shingles in the Eye
The treatment of shingles in the eye is not very invasive, usually. If caught early (within the first 72 hours of the rash appearance), doctors will prescribe an antiviral medication, like acyclovir or famvir that weakens the virus and reduces the risk of developing serious side effects, like post-herpetic neuralgia, incessant pain or glaucoma and blindness. Prescription eye drops and topical creams help to reduce itchiness and pain both in and around the eye.
Treatment For Shingles Pain
Treatment for shingles pain ranges greatly, depending on the doctor and the patient's response, says Dr. Anne Louise Oaklander MD, PhD of Massachusetts. "Some people may find that over the counter anti-inflammatory and pain relief is adequate, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen," she explains, "but substantial numbers of people will need prescribed pain medications by their physician.
What Is the Shingles Herpes Virus?
The herpes viruses thrive on close contact for transmission. Oral and genital herpes are spread through sexual contact primarily, for instance. The Epstein-Barr virus is spread through tissue transplants, transfusions and from parent to child.