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  • Medical shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that manifests as a blistering rash. Common only to individuals who have a history of chickenpox, shingles is a painful condition that must be treated early to avoid complications.

    Causes

    Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Once the chickenpox subsides, the virus lies dormant in the body's nerves and can re-emerge as shingles later in life.

    Symptoms

    Individuals with shingles may experience a number of symptoms including localized pain that is followed by a rash in the same area, itching, fatigue and fever. Shingles develop on one side of the body in a centralized location like the face, neck or chest.

    Precautions

    Shingles is a contagious condition and is spread through direct contact with an open sore. Only individuals who have not had chickenpox can become infected, and will develop chickenpox not shingles.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    A diagnosis is made by the telltale blistering rash. Episodes of shingles heal on their own and the accompanying painful symptoms are managed with prescription antiviral and pain medications.

    Complications

    Shingles that manifest in and around the eye can cause infection that may result in vision loss. Other complications can include skin infections and neurological problems.

    Source:

    University of Maryland Medical Center

    U.S. Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health

    More Information:

    Shingles Info

    Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

    American Academy of Family Physicians

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