Herpes Zoster AKA Shingles: A Primer

Herpes zoster or shingles is a skin rash triggered by the same virus that causes chickenpox (Varicella zoster). Almost five hundred thousand Americans suffer from this affliction each year. Almost half of these individuals are sixty years old or older. Due to the viral cause of this illness, there is no known herpes zoster treatment that results in an immediate cure. Fortunately, the lesions typically disappear on their own within three to four weeks.

Individuals contract this virus as the result of an episode of chickenpox. From that point on, the varicella zoster virus lives within the body's nerves in a dormant state. In most individuals, it remains in a dormant state throughout life. However, some health issues such as stress or immune deficiency can result in it reactivating itself and causing shingles. It is important to seek medical treatment and determine a plan of pain treatment for herpes zoster as the rash causes significant pain and discomfort.

Certain signs of shingles present themselves prior to the appearance of the actual rash. Sufferers may notice skin sensitivity and pain for three to five days preceding the actual outbreak of the rash. If addressed during this stage, there are several herpes zoster treatment options. Unfortunately, most cases of the virus are misdiagnosed at this stage. It is typically only with the appearance of the rash itself that an accurate identification of the illness is made.

Herpes zoster can be so painful that, depending on the location of the affected nerve, it is often mistaken during the pre-rash stage for appendicitis, kidney stones or a heart attack. In addition to the pain, you may experience other symptoms, such as fever, a lack of energy, muscle soreness and an overall irritability. Due to this tendency to misjudge the origin of the pain, treatment for herpes zoster is rarely considered until the rash appears.

Three to five days after the patient first notices pain, shingles typically reveals itself as small blisters appearing along the path of a nerve coming from the spinal cord. In some individuals, the blisters may cover the entire path of the nerve, while in others it will be intermittent. In most cases, only one nerve is involved. As the episode progresses, the blisters will eventually rupture and leak. During this stage it is important to introduce a treatment for herpes zoster that focuses on keeping the area clean and sanitary. Otherwise, infection can easily occur at this point. As the area begins to crust over and heal, the pain will usually begin to subside. Unfortunately, some cases of shingles cause long term or permanent nerve damage in its victims. As such, this is a disease that should be avoided when possible.

It is important to carefully follow the directions your doctor gives you, including medication instructions. However, the most effective herpes zoster treatment is one focused on proactively avoiding the illness. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for the infection. Those with weakened immune systems or suffering from high levels of stress are the most vulnerable. To decrease your susceptibility to contracting shingles, focus on all natural techniques of avoidance such as stress management and a healthy diet.

Should you contract shingles in spite of your efforts, there are treatments for herpes zoster that have been found to reduce the longevity and severity of suffering in some individuals. Acupuncturists have been known to have a degree of success in treating the disease. They do recommend, however, that treatment is sought while the eruptions are still in the moist stage and have not yet begun to dry and crust over. Increasing your dosage of B complex and vitamin C may also be a viable herpes zoster treatment. Prescribed pain medications are typically quite ineffective with shingles, as the discomfort felt by patients is nerve related.

Shingles is an extremely painful and long-lasting illness; however, most often it is not recurrent. While an absolute cure does not exist, your doctor will be able to assist you with managing the disease and nature does provide some viable options for treatment that may reduce your suffering and speed healing.