SHINGLES

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by reactivation of the chicken pox virus. It tends to occur in older adults, sometimes triggered by another illness or period of ill-health. Shingles causes a painful rash in a band on one side of the body, in the area supplied by a single nerve. A tingling or burning sensation is followed by the appearance of multiple small blisters containing clear fluid. Most people with shingles feel very unwell, often with headache and a fever. The diagnosis is made on the symptoms, distribution and appearance of the lesions, and confirmed by a viral swab. Shingles is treated with antiviral tablets, pain relief and rest. Post-herpetic neuralgia is an unpleasant sensation in the involved skin that can persist once the rash has resolved. It is less likely to develop if the shingles is diagnosed and treated promptly. It is especially important to diagnose shingles affecting the face quickly since the condition can affect the eye and cause permanent scarring if it isn’t treated.