Shingles

Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, comes from the same virus as Chicken Pox. Shingles is a painful skin rash that is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Shingles usually appears in a band, a strip, or a small area on one side of the face or body. While most common in older adults, anyone is suseptable, particularly people with weakened immune systems. Shingles happens when the virus that causes chickenpox starts up again in your body. the viruis lays dormant in your nerve roots, sometimes peranently. In others, the virus emerges when disease, stress, or aging weakens the immune system. And by the way, shingles is not contageous. When you firsst get shingles, you may have a headache or be sensitive to light. You may also feel like you have the flu. Later, itching, tingling, or pain will occur in a certain area. The rash turns into blisters that fill with fluid and then crust over. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for them blisters to heal. and they may leave scars. Some people also feel dizzy or weak or have long-term pain or a rash on the face, changes in vision, or cognitive changes. Shingles is treated with medicines, including antiviral medicines and pain medication.