Try: Shingles can be an incredibly painful condition yet few people other than those who suffer from it understand shingles shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox shingles also known as herpes zoster lurks in the nervous systems of some people who have had chickenpox then when the varicella zoster virus re-emerges it moves from the nerves to the skin causing a rash and painful blisters the most common place for shingles to appear is in a band around the trunk of the body although some people are affected along one side of their body or in a localized area treatments # vaccination people over 60 should comsider getting vaccinated according to the national institutes of health the u s food and drug administration approved a vaccine for people over the age of 60 who have had chickenpox but who haven’t had shingles the vaccine is about 50 percent effective in preventing shingles and can lessen the seriousness of shingles in those who later get the disease # antiviral drugs if a person has shingles taking antiviral drugs can be a lifesaver if treated soon enough shingles remedies can shorten the length of time of an outbreak and can keep a mild case of shingles from getting out of control in addition antivirals can prevent what what’s known as postherpetic neuralgia which can leave skin sensitive and painful for months or years after shingles blisters have healed # avoid some types of physical contact although shingles isn’t contagious in that a person can’t give shingles to another person contact with the rash associated with shingles can cause chickenpox in people who haven’t already had it and thus haven’t developed immunity to it this is particularly important for people who have weakened immune systems # treatment for aftereffects people who suffer from postherpetic neuralgia have a variety of medication options that may help with the pain and suffering topical agents steroids anticonvulsants and antidepressants are all used to treat the lingering pain information references "5 tips for dealing with shingles" by robertson c 2009 available at www ezinearticles com
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Keywords: Shingles chickenpox pain blisters rash rashes
*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed