Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a blistering, painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which causes the chickenpox. After coming down with the chickenpox, usually during childhood, the virus remains dormant in the body’s nerves. Shingles become apparent when the virus becomes active again. Although shingles can happen to any age group, people with the following characteristics are more susceptible to it:
People with weakened immune systems People who had chickenpox before 1 year of age People older than 60 years.
Antiviral medications have been shown effective in treating shingles by helping to reduce complications and pain, as well as shortening the disease’s course. There are various creams, pain medications, and antihistamines that are also used to treat the symptoms. The disease usually lasts 2-3 weeks and is not likely to recur. However, if the disease affects the patient’s movement controlling nerves, the result can be temporary or permanent weakness or even paralysis. Our doctors here at AOK Spine and Pain are very experienced with shingles and can offer you a solid diagnosis and effective treatment methods to treat your symptoms and clear up the disease as soon as possible while avoiding any permanent damage.