Shingle - Herpes Zoster
by Lachin Hatemi M.D. - Owner of Veritas Urgentcares.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The virus that causes shingles is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life to cause shingles.
Here is some important information for patients with shingles:
Symptoms: Shingles usually starts with pain, burning, or tingling on one side of the body, followed by a rash that develops into blisters. The rash can be very painful. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Diagnosis: Your doctor can diagnose shingles based on your symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, a sample of fluid from the blisters may be taken for laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment: There is no cure for shingles, but antiviral medications can help shorten the length of the outbreak and reduce the severity of symptoms. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to relieve pain and swelling.
Complications: In some cases, shingles can lead to complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a long-lasting pain that can persist after the rash has gone away. Other complications can include vision loss, skin infections, and pneumonia.
Prevention: A vaccine is available to help prevent shingles in people over the age of 50. People who have had shingles can also receive a vaccine to help prevent a future outbreak.
If you think you have shingles, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications.
Come get treated at Veritas Urgentcare Clinic. We have 2 convenient locations.
Veritas Downtown - 126 South Assembly Street, Columbia SC 29201
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