Shingles is a skin condition that is caused by the Varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant inside the body and can reactivate as shingles in adulthood.
Symptoms
The first symptom of shingles is burning or tender skin for several days to a week, followed by small blisters appearing over the course of 3 to 5 days. Within a few weeks, the blisters will pop and ooze, and then crust over and heal.
Transmission
Shingles is a contagious disease and transmission from the infected person to a child or adult who has not yet had the chickenpox can occur. If shingles is transmitted to these people, they will develop chickenpox and not shingles. People who have had chickenpox cannot catch shingles.
Treatment
Shingles can be treated with medication if started within 3 days of the initial outbreak. Pain medications may be prescribed to help relieve pain caused by shingles. Cold compresses and calamine lotion (or other anti-itch lotion) may help to relieve symptoms.
Complications
While it doesn't happen often, shingles' blisters can become infected. Also, a health care professional should be seen if blisters appear on the face, as they can affect the eye and cause vision loss.
Prevention
Adults over the age of 60 can receive a vaccination to protect themselves from shingles. This vaccine has been shown to prevent or reduce symptoms of shingles.
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