Shingles,
also called Herpes Zoster, is an outbreak of rash or
blisters on the skin that is caused by the same
virus that causes chickenpox - the varicella-zoster
virus (VZV).
Shingles results from
reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that was
acquired during a primary varicella infection
(chickenpox) - which usually occurs in childhood
after exposure to the airborne virus. Therefore,
anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for
shingles later in their life, and, whereas varicella
is generally a disease of childhood, shingles
becomes more common with increasing age.
Diagnosis
of shingles infection is usually made by inspection
of the characteristic rash and associated symptoms.
Occasionally, diagnostic tests may be necessary to
confirm the diagnosis.
The development of
complications from shingles depends on the severity
of the infection and the location of the involved
nerves. The most common chronic complication of
shingles is a condition known as post herpetic
neuralgia, defined as pain that persists more than
6 weeks after development of the rash.
Treatment
of shingles has three major objectives:
Treatment of the acute viral infection
Treatment of the acute pain
Prevention of post herpetic neuralgia
In general, treatment options for shingles
include antiviral medications, pain medications, and
nerve blocks.
Recently, a new vaccine
called Zostavax (Merck), has been approved in the
United States for the prevention of shingles in
individuals 60 years of age or older.
Hospitals Listing
National Healthcare Group
{Singapore}
National Healthcare Group
BNH Hospital
{Thailand}
BNH Hospital
Shroff Eye Hospital & Clinic
New Delhi
{India}
Shroff Eye Hospital is the first in India to be Certified by JCI (Joint Commission International, US
Phyathai
Banbkok
{Thailand}
Phyathai 1 Hospital was established on 30 July, 1976 and it is located a
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