Shingles are a painful skin rash. This disorder generally occurs in older or immunocompromised people. Herpes zoster is infectious for people who never came into contact with the varicella zoster virus. Once there has been an initial infection, the virus is not eliminated from the body but it can become latent in the nerve system. At the moment medicine is not in the position to remove the virus completely. It is only possible to ease the pain by a specific therapy. Even when shingles seems to have disappeared, neuralgia can persist.
Usually this virus is caught during childhood via a chicken pox infection. Then the virus settles into the nerve system and "sleeps". Only when the body is weakened, as with older people, tumor patients, or due to other diseases, the virus gets active and awakens. If shingles are suspected you should by all means consult a doctor. There is medication available to prevent spreading of the virus (for example to the brain). This drug is called "Aciclovir", a medication that has been prescribed for years. It causes the blisters to dry out and the symptoms will be reduced. Moreover, the danger of infection will decline. The patient needs a lot of rest and should stay in bed. But also going for walks can boost the healing process and help the body to beat the disease. If possible you should avoid anything that stresses the body, as for instance alcohol or nicotine. This will help the body, supported by medication, to concentrate on the healing process.
Author: J. Land