disease
Definition, causes and symptoms of shingles
Shingles cause painful rashes. Many people get chickenpox in their childhood: red, itchy blisters, which heal after some time. The responsible shingles virus remains lifelong in the body - mostly unnoticed. In some cases, the pathogen becomes active again and attacks certain nerve cords. The cause of shingles is often unknown.
However, underlying diseases, weakened defenses or stress favor the outbreak. Instead of chickenpox now a painful shingles with pustules, which spread like a belt on the skin. They follow the course of the affected nerves. As a rule, only the upper body is affected, but sometimes also arms, legs, face, sensory organs or other body parts. A shingles must therefore be cured carefully under medical supervision. Because it can lead to life-threatening brain inflammation.
Many patients initially feel knocked off and tired and have a mild fever. Finally, the affected parts of the body experience pain and reddish blisters that fill with fluid. After days or weeks, they burst and dry. In the acute stage, there is a risk of infection for people who are not infected with the virus. You may get chickenpox.
Treatment of shingles
It may be sufficient to wait for the healing process under medical supervision and to use soothing ointments and painkillers. In severe cases, anti-viral agents are administered. There will soon be a shingles vaccine for at-risk people.
Prevention and self-help with shingles
Since stress is a very common cause of shingles, it is important to avoid it as much as possible, or to learn to deal adequately with stress situations that can not be avoided. If a shingles are already present, you must scratch the bubbles under any circumstances. Absolute protection is important during the illness. It is essential to stay away from pregnant women.
