Transmission of Shingles to Others

Although Shingles itself is not contagious, the varicella zoster virus (the virus that causes both shingles and the chickenpox) can be spread to other people.  The only people this virus could be passed to is someone who never had a varicella virus before, so someone who has never had the chickenpox.  Also, if the person caught the virus, they could only develop chickenpox not shingles itself.

Shingles usually occurs in about 3 steps.  First, the rash has not appeared and the person usually experiences flu-like symptoms.  The next stage, the rash still has not appeared, but the person feels the pain, itching, and tingling in the area where the rash occurs.  Lastly, the person forms the rash, first blisters and then crusting.  A person who has shingles can only pass along the virus when the rash in the blister phase.  After the rash has developed crust, then the person is no longer contagious.  It takes about 2-4 weeks for the rash to go from the blistering phase to the crusting phase. To read more about the stages of shingles, click here.

blistering phase (when the virus can be contracted)

  Crusting phase

Shingles is less contagious than chickenpox and the risk of someone spreading shingles when the rash is covered is very low.  While your shingles is in the blister phase, it is best to avoid pregnant women who have never had chickenpox, infants, and people with weakened immune systems because these people are at risk of getting chickenpox.  

Sources:

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/shingles-pictures

http://pathwayshealth.blogspot.com/2013/02/shingles-overview.html

http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/transmission.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/107700-early-stages-shingles/

Different ways to help with Shingles Symptoms

The symptoms of shingles can be painful and uncomfortable.  There are antiviral medications that can be given to help cure the virus, but this condition can still last for many weeks.  There are many different treatments to help with some of the symptoms of shingles, including baths, ointments, medications, and lotions to reduce pain and itching.

One helpful technique in helping with shingles symptoms is to avoid scratching and picking at blisters.  This can make the pain and itching worse and even leave scars.



In order to shorten the duration and decrease the risk for complications, your healthcare provider can prescribe antiviral medications, such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or Famciclovir.  In addition to this, your healthcare provider can prescribe medications to help the pain ,such as, Capsaicin cream, which is a topical cream to help reduce pain, numbing agents, or an injection of corticosteroids to decrease swelling and pain.
In addition to these prescriptions, there are home remedies that can help treat the symptoms of Shingles.  Taking cool baths and using cool and moist compresses helps relieve discomfort from the Shingles rash.  Putting lotions after the cool baths can help keep the rash moisturized and help ease discomfort.  Applying baking soda and cornstarch can help dry out the sores so that they will go away faster.  To read more about home remedies for Shingles, click here.


Sources:
http://www.drugs.com/
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/ss/slideshow-shingles-pictures
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154912.php?page=2
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/shingles/page6_em.htm

Complications of Shingles and how to deal with them

There are many complications that can occur due to shingles and people at most risk for developing these are the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.  The main complications associated with shingles are postherpetic neuralgia, which just means pain after the rash goes away, eye problems, and some neurological problems.

The main complication associated with shingles is postherpetic neuralgia.  This condition occurs in approximately 1 out of 5 people who get shingles.  This condition causes nerve pain and extreme itching that persists after the rash and other symptoms of shingles has gone away.  Usually, this pain goes away after a few months, but it can exist for longer and in some cases can be permanent.  It is treated with painkillers.  To read more about this condition and treatment options, click here.


Another complication of shingles is eye problems.  In some cases, the shingles rash is in the eyes, which causes problems.  These problems include sores and scarring of the cornea, inflammation of the eye and the optic nerve (the nerve that runs from the eye to the brain), and glaucoma (which is caused from pressure build up in the eye).  If these problems are not treated properly, permanent vision loss can occur.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a neurological illness that can occur if shingles affects nerves in the brain.  This syndrome causes earaches, dizziness, vertigo, rash around the ear, ringing in the ears, and paralysis of the face.  It is usually treated with antiviral medications and corticosteroids.  Usually if treatment is started within 72 hours of the start of the symptoms, all symptoms go away and the patient makes a full recovery.  If a full recovery is not made, there are permanent problems.

There are other complications, but these are the most common ones.  To learn more about complications of shingles, click here.

Sources:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/postherpetic-neuralgia/Pages/Treatment.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/basics/definition/con-20019574
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/

Questions to ask healthcare provider about your Shingles condition.

According to a recent study, more informed patients are more likely to take an active role in care maintenance.  To read more about becoming a informed patient, click here. The most effective way to get informed about your shingles condition is to ask your healthcare provider questions.  Shingles is a painful condition and should be monitored by a healthcare provider because it can cause long term complications, such as, pain after the blisters have gone away, vision loss, neurological problems, and skin infections.  When shingles is first suspected, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to get treatment and to get information about the illness.

Some important questions to ask about the condition include asking about shingles, what causes it, how long does it last, and what are some symptoms of shingles.  These questions are important to ask because it gives important information about the illness and how long it is expected to last.

Some questions to ask about the treatment of shingles include the different options of treating shingles, the side effects of some of the drugs, and are there over the counter medication that can help with some of the symptoms.  These questions help the patient understand their options and how to treat the condition and the symptoms.

Some other questions that might be important to ask would be whether it is contagious, or if there is anything that helps shingles go away faster or slower.  Overall, being an informed patient is important.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/basics/definition/con-20019574
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20120910/NEWS/309109965
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/shingles/questions-to-ask-your-doctor.html

Post #1: Introduction to Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that leaves a painful skin rash.  Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.  Shingles is common among older adults and people with weak immune system.  Anyone who has had chickenpox may develop shingles in their lifetime; on average, 1 out of 3 people in the United States will develop shingles.

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.  Usually, a painful rash develops on a small section of the body or face.  The rash can be painful, itchy, and sensitive to the touch.  The rash forms blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clears up within 2 to 4 weeks.   Other symptoms include headache, fever and chills, nausea, body aches, fatigue, and upset stomach.  Read more in depth about the symptoms of shingles. 

Shingles is most common among adults older than 50 and the risk increases with age.  Having certain diseases that weaken the immune system increases the risk for getting shingles.  Some of these diseases include HIV and cancer.  Radiation and chemotherapy can increase the risk of triggering shingles because it lowers the body's resistance.  Also, certain medications such as steroids can increase the chances of getting shingles.  To read more about risk factors of shingles, click here.



There are several different antiviral medicines that are used to treat shingles.  These medicines shorten the length and severity of the illness, but are most effective when given early.  As soon as the signs appear, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.  Pain medicines may help relieve the pain caused by shingles.  In addition to this, wet compresses, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths can help reduce itching.  Shingles is preventable; there is a chickenpox vaccine and also a shingles vaccine.   The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over 50 or people with a weakened immune system who have had chickenpox.  To read more about the shingles vaccine, click here.
 To watch a very informative video about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and and prevention of shingles, click here.

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/basics/symptoms/con-20019574
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vacc-need-know.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCaysTThD2Y