Shingles Pain
Shingles is a condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, however, the resulting symptoms can be much more painful.
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History
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Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox. As immunity to chickenpox lessens over time, the virus stored in nerve cells can strengthen causing shingles.
Identification
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Shingles is characterized by a rash, usually around the face or trunk of the body. The rash turns into blisters that eventually dry out and crust over.
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Time Frame
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Pain and tingling from the onset of shingles can be felt several days before the actual outbreak of the rash and last throughout the blistering and subsequent crusting over and falling off of the scabs. In some cases, postherpetic neuralgia can cause intense pain well after the shingles rash has cleared.
Prevention/Solution
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Antiviral medications and steroids can be used to help lessen the pain associated with shingles. In cases of postherpetic neuralgia, pain medications (both over-the-counter and prescription), analgesic creams, and prescription depression and seizure medication have been found to be effective against more intense pain.
Considerations
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Normal shingles pain should be mild to moderate and end with the disappearance of the rash. In those who go on to suffer from postherpetic neuralgia, pain should subside in one to three months.
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