Zoster Herpes Virus or Shingles
Shingles is a skin infection, and it is caused by varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus can lie quietly in the nerves for several years after causing chickenpox. And then suddenly they can wake up one day and become active. Red skin rash with pain is common in this skin issue. It usually appears as a blister on the skin.
Sign and Symptoms
The first thing you feel when you have shingles is pain and burning. Apart from that the other signs include
- Red patches
- Blisters with fluid that can break easily
- Rash that appears from the spine to the torso
- Itching
- Rash on the ears and face
In some severe cases, the victim may also feel
Causes and Risks
The cause of shingles is zoster herpes virus. People who had have chickenpox once in their lifetime can have this disease. The other risk factors are
- People above 60
- Weak immune system
- Going through chemotherapy or radiation treatment
Treatment and Management
In general, shingles cannot be cured, but medicines can be given to ease the symptoms. The pain and itching can be reduced with the help of proper medicine. However, the doctor can prescribe the medicine as per the severity of the patient. Apart from medicines, you can have cold and wet compression on the rashes to get relief from pain and itching. Calamine lotions can be used for the same reason.
