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SHINGLES

Varicella-Zoster Virus has resulted in many diseases all over the world, especially in Bulgaria. From these diseases, Shingles is one such disease that has affected Bulgaria’s health structure very much. Shingle is an infectious disease caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus. This is the same virus that causes Chickenpox. Another name of Shingles is Herpes Zoster. In most of the cases, Shingles clear up within two to three weeks. The disease rarely occurs in the same person for more than one time. According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), one out of three persons in the United States will have Shingles at some point in his life. This type of viral infection is characterized by a red skin rash on a specific part of the body. This rash can cause some serious amount of pain and burn to the victim. The disease usually appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body, typically on the torso, neck, or face.

Symptoms of Shingles

As described earlier that Shingles causes a rash on the body, so it might make the victim feel pain and burning. The pain usually is on one side ho the body and occurs in small patches. Some characteristics of rash include red patches, fluid-filled blisters that break easily, a rash that wraps around from the spine to the torso, and itching. Other than pain and burning, the patient may also show any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle Weakness
• Numbness & Tingling
• Senstivity to Touch
• May be Minor Scarring
• Difficulties With Urination
• Nausea & Malaise
• Swollen Glands ( Lymph Nodes)

Diagnosis of Shingles

Must tell your doctor or health care advisor A physical examination of those rashes and blisters will be very helpful in diagnosing Shingles. The doctor will also ask about your medical history that includes your recent traveling places or areas. In some cases, a skin sample might also be demanded by the doctor to take the diagnosing process further. This involves using a sterile swab to collect a sample of tissue or fluid. All these samples are then sent to best-known laboratories to confirm the presence of the virus.

Treatment of Shingles

There is no treatment available for Shingles. However, there used some types of medications that help in releasing the symptoms of the disease. These medications shall be used as prescribed by the doctor. The prescription for medications are listed below:

• Anti-viral medications like Acyclovir & famciclovir can be used to reduce pain and speed recovery.
• Anti-inflammation drugs like Ibuprofen, used for easing pain and swelling.
• Narcotic medications or analgesic used to reduce pain.
• Anticonvulsants or tricyclic used to treat prolonged pain.
• Antihistamines, such as Benadryl can be used to treat the itching.
• Numbing creams, gels, or patches like Lidocaine is also used to reduce pain.
• Capsaicin (Zostrix), used to reduce the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia that occurs after recovery of Shingles and causes serious pain in nerves.

The disease can also get recovered by performing some home treatment that generally includes proper rest. Are you suffering with it too? Then register yourself on the Global Patient Transfer platform and get a quick appointment in a good hospital near you.