Shingles
goodtoknow says: Shingles is caused by the same virus as chicken pox. If you've had chicken pox you could possibly develop shingles. Around 1 in 5 adults get shingles, although it's more common in people over 50 or who have poor immunity. Shingles is basically a nerve infection which leads to 'bands' of pain often on your stomach, chest or face, followed by a rash. If diagnosed within 72 hours of the rash appearing your doctor may be able to give you anti viral drugs that limit the severity of the shingles. Otherwise, painkillers are usually effective for shingles. You'll feel better within two to four weeks, though rarely the pain might persist much longer.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of shingles from patient.co.uk, read on.
Shingles is an infection of a nerve area caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes pain and a rash along a band of skin supplied by the affected nerve. Symptoms usually go within 2-4 weeks. Pain sometimes persists after the rash has gone, more commonly in people over the age of 60. Other complications are uncommon. Antiviral medication may be prescribed to limit the severity of the condition.
- Read more: what is it and how common is it?
- Is shingles contagious?
More help and advice
- Expert advice on shingles
- How to relieve the pain of shingles
- Read Joanne's story: 'A jabbing pain turned out to be shingles'
- Check out the full facts about chicken pox
- More on children's health
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sam, 7 months
as a hairdresser one of my clients has developed shingles on her face, she is due to get her hair done . can i catch it.
Report this commentwendy, 8 months
i have just been told that my 20yr old son has shingles, but my dad is having chemotherapy for lung cancer and ive been taking him to the hospital for his appointments should i be concerned about his health and let his doctors know.
Report this commentRae Blair, 12 months
I am writing on behalf of my aunt who is 85 and who had a bad bout of Shingles about 2 years ago, and as she is strong and really healthy, she got over it without problems. Unfortunately she still gets a lot of pain on her back where some of the shingles were. Can you tell me how long it will take to be virtually pain free and is there something that can be applied to the skin to take away this pain. Thank you
Report this commenthannah, 12 months
i have shingles and it is really itchy and where the shingles are its all achey im kind of scared what can i do because i cant get a doctors appointment until the 1st of december 2008 :(
Report this commentCath Hughes, about 1 year
I am 35 weeks pregnant, and my midwife thinks I may have shingles, and asked me to visit my doctor, but I cant get an appointment till next week, should I be worried.
Report this commenttina tiley, about 1 year
my grandaughter has chicken pots and has been visiting me is it posible to catch shingles as i am getting old
Report this commentsusan mcgregor-paterson, about 1 year
i have nerve pain in a band around the top of my leg just below my bottom, could this be the start of shingles? And if so, i work with the elderly and vunerable could this be contagious? do you think i should notify my manager.
Report this commentabbi, about 1 year
how old do you have to be to get shingles ? because i've never had chicken pox in my life. found your infomation helpful thankyou
Report this commentjoan minett, about 1 year
i have shingles for 3 wks and painful my shoulder and back, neck and what you think will come back shingles?
Report this commentBrian David Cockburn, about 1 year
is shingles infectious to others. if so how long does the infectious period last
Report this commentmaz, about 1 year
I'VE HAD SHINGLES THREE TIMES NOW BUT THIS TIME IS BY FAR THE WORST. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN ANTI VIRALS CALLED ACICLOIR, IS IT OK TO TAKE PAINKILLERS ON TOP OF THESE?
Report this commentjenna, about 1 year
can i catch chicken pox even though ive only had shingles because my mother had chicken pox carryin me and i only had shingles
Report this commentjessica hudson, about 1 year
If you have shingles is it possabal for you to swim ??? age 8
Report this commentr lambert, about 1 year
DEAR SIR OR MADAM, I HAVE HAD SHINGLES FOR 6 DAYS NOW ,I MANAGED TO GET TO THE DOCTOR AFTER THE FIRST DAY & HAVE BEEN TAKING ACICLOVIR FOR THE PAST 4 DAYS WHICH I THINK HAS STOPPED IT FROM BEING TO SEVERE. MY CONCERN IS WHERE I HAVE GOT IT FROM & WHY. I HAVE BEEN TAKING PRAVASTATIN FOR THE PAST 5 WEEKS & I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THEY COULD HAVE WEAKENED MY IMUNE SYATEM. (THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE BEEN ON ANY COLESTERIAL TABLETS) I AM 64 YRS OLD ,I CANT REMEMBER HAVIG CHICKINPOX. YOURS SINCERELY R.T.LAMBERT
Report this commentanonymous, over 2 years
i have shingles at the moment and it is realli sore and u can pass it on to other people but only if they haven't had chicken pox and you pass it on as chicken pox
Report this commentanonymous, over 2 years
i had chicken pox as a baby but contracted shingles when i was seven yrs old.i don't know if it was rare for some one so young but it happened. bloody good website.
Report this commentPeter Corless, over 2 years
Is it possible just to get shingles in your eyes only?
Report this commentMary Bryant, over 2 years
Is shingles infectious to others? Found your information helpful Thank you
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sammi, 3 months
can you catch the shingless?
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