Shingles, also known as "herpes zoster" is a viral infection of the
nerve roots and shares the same characteristics as the chickenpox
virus. A rash is caused by shingles and this quickly spreads to one
side of the body. This disease is more prevalant in the older
population due to their immune system being weak. Shingles can also
occur due to stress, injury and as a side effect of certain medications.
If you suddenly develop severe pain in a limited area on one side of
your body, you may have shingles and need treatment immediately to
prevent that pain from lasting for the rest of your life. Shingles is
Chicken Pox the second time around.
The goals of shingles or herpes zoster management are to relieve the pain and to reduce or avoid complications. Pain is controlled with analgesics, because adequate pain control during the acute phase helps prevent persistent pain patterns. Systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed for patients older than age 50 years to reduce the incidence and duration of postherpetic neuralgia (persistent pain of the affected nerve after healing). Healing usually occurs sooner in those who have been treated with corticosteroids. Triamcinolone (Aristocort, Kenacort, Kenalog) injected subcutaneously under painful areas is effective as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Shingles
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