Shingles is a virus that can be extremely painful, even frightening at times. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Therefore, anyone who has ever had chickenpox is susceptible to it. Most people have seen pictures of the rash associated with this disease. When it appears, it often presents as raised, red areas of skin that run in a strip along either the left or right side of the body. The rash is most commonly found on the torso. However, it is possible to develop a rash on the face or neck. It should also be noted that it is possible to develop shingles without coming down with a rash.
Read MoreShingles, a condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a painful skin disorder that usually occurs in people over the age of 60. The varicella-zoster virus is the same pathogen that causes chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox in the past, the virus can lurk inactively in your body for many years, only to activate again at a later date. An outbreak will usually last between 3 to 5 weeks. However, some effects can be long-lasting. Generally, you can only have an outbreak once, but some individuals have gotten it more than once. Why People Have Outbreaks It may seem strange that a disease experienced in childhood can lie in wait for many years, only to strike again later. But the varicella-zoster virus does precisely that, lying dormant in nerve cells in the body. As long as your body’s immune system remains strong, the virus stays dormant. But aging and other conditions can weaken the immune system, re-activating it. Symptoms include a raised rash, blisters, pain from the inflammation, fatigue, headache, and sometimes, fever.
Read MoreYou may be wondering, can I catch shingles from my spouse. Well, Herpes Zoster is a medical condition that cannot be spread from one person to another. The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for both chickenpox and shingles. The varicella-zoster virus is contagious. If you are suffering from herpes zoster, you can easily spread the condition to another person, and they may end up developing chickenpox. The varicella-zoster virus usually stays in the nerve tissues. The virus will be inactive for a considerable amount of time. If the immune system is unable to contain the virus, it could be activated at some point.
Read More