Treating shingles

Treating shingles

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. In fact, the infection is similar to chicken pox but it only affects adults, usually older adults. Shingles symptoms include a rash that usually affects one side of the body. It may seem like a long strip of bumps and rashes or it can cover a small area. Either way, it usually affects older people, for some reason have a low immune system. Although shingles can recur, usually, people suffering from shingles once.

Like a child, you may have suffered from chickenpox. If you did, then you still have the virus in your system. It has simply become dormant, but it still exists in the nerve roots. For some, the virus will remain dormant for the rest of their lives. For others, however, the virus is reactivated and cause shingles.

What are the symptoms of shingles? 

First, you'll have a headache. You may experience flu symptoms, too, but you do not have a fever. Then you will start to see a rash that is both painful and itchy. Then the rash will turn into blisters that may fluids escape and then crust over. In about four weeks, the blisters heal. Note, however, that some people will never experience a rash. Others may have a horrible rash that lasts for several weeks.

There is no cure for shingles, but there are some waysto treat shingles. Antiviral drugs, including steroids, can help you to overcome the disease. Antidepressants, topical creams, and other drugs against pain can all help you get on shingles faster and can reduce shingles symptoms pain. There is also a simple vaccines that can prevent the elderly ever suffer from shingles.