Shingles is a contagious rash on the skin caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus remains dormant in the body after a bout of chickenpox but is suppressed by the immune system. Shingles is most common in people over the age of 50 when the virus can be reactivated by fatigue, emotional stress or more serious causes such as cancer. Symptoms of shingles include painful and sensitive skin followed by a rash and small blisters.

Causes of shingles

Shingles is caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus which infects a nerve and the surrounding skin. The virus is the same as the chickenpox virus which many people get during childhood.

Once chickenpox has gone, the virus remains in the nervous system without any problems as the immune system prevents it from reappearing. However, if the immune system becomes weak then the virus can be reactivated resulting in shingles.

Symptoms of shingles usually begin with a tingling sensation in any part of the body although the chest and abdomen are most commonly affected. Shingles can also affect the nerves in the face and eyes.

Following the tingling, a constant burning sensation is experienced ranging from mild to severe. The area affected can become tender and the pain can become sharp and stabbing.

Two to three days after the pain starts, a rash will develop on one side of the body around the area of skin related to the affected nerve. The rash appears first as blotchy and red and then develops into blisters similar to chickenpox. The blisters become yellow and dry after appearing and eventually form into scabs which may leave some scarring.

Other symptoms common to shingles include:

• fever
• memory loss
• exhaustion
• headaches
• confusion

You should visit your GP in the first instance as they will diagnose shingles by your symptoms and the appearance of a rash. If you are at risk of developing complications you may be referred to a specialist.

If your eye is affected then an Ophthalmologist will help to ensure that vision is not permanently damaged.

People with a weakened immune system such as those with HIV or AIDS or receiving chemotherapy will be referred to a specialist so the condition can be monitored.

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Herp-Eze Helps with the dreaded virus herpes simplex 1 & 2: •    Cold sores •    Shingles •    Neuralgia •    Herpes Zoster •    Chicken pox •    Type 1 & 2 Herpes Simplex Cold sores are the result of a recurrent viral infection by the virus herpes simplex. They occur about the mouth, lips, genitals or eyes.  Take Herp-Eze daily as a preventative and then increase the dosage when the virus becomes active, to help shorten its duration.

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*Source: GoToSee.co.uk

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