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How long does shingles last? Timeline and treatment
Shingles normally lasts 3 to 5 weeks, but there are some factors that may affect how long it takes to heal. Learn more about what to et.
Shingles is a viral infection that affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States Around half of all shingles cases occur in adults over 60 years old
It can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox, as both shingles and chickenpox are caused by the varicella-zoster virus VZV This virus remains in the body after chickenpox has cleared and can reactivate at any time, leading to shingles
Several days before a rash appears, shingles may cause skin sensitivity or pain Further early symptoms include:
It should be noted that shingles symptoms range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing itching and mild discomfort and others having intense pain
Post-herpetic neuropathy PHN is a common complication of shingles It refers to nerve damage that causes pain and burning that persists after the shingles infection is gone
Some sources suggest that up to 20 percent of people who get shingles develop PHN with older adults thought to be especially at risk
It is not known why some people who have shingles go on to develop PHN The risk factors for PHN include:
It is important to see a doctor as soon as a person notices the symptoms of shingles
The National Institute on Aging recommend that people seek medical treatment no later than 3 days after the rash appears Early treatment can limit pain, help the rash heal quicker, and may reduce scarring
Certain antidepressant drugs have been proven effective in reducing shingles pain, as well as symptoms of PHN
Although typically used to treat epilepsy, some anticonvulsant drugs may reduce nerve pain Again, these can take several weeks to take effect Commonly prescribed anticonvulsants for shingles include:
However, a person with shingles can give chickenpox to someone who has never had the VZV infection before
Therefore, people with shingles should avoid contact with those who have never had chickenpox until their rash has completely healed To catch the virus, someone must have direct contact with the rash
There is a vaccination available to reduce the risk of developing shingles and experiencing long-term complications, such as PHN
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends that adults aged 60 years and older have this vaccination, as it is believed to reduce the risk of shingles by 50 percent and PHN by 67 percent
People who have already had shingles can have the vaccine to prevent future occurrences Each vaccination protects for approximately 5 years
Up to a third of the population in the US is affected by shingles Symptoms vary in their severity and duration Early intervention is key in reducing symptom severity and avoiding complications, such as PHN
People should consider having the shingles vaccination to reduce their risk of getting shingles and long-term nerve pain
Cohen, K R, Salbu, R L, Frank, J, & Israel, I 2013, April Presentation and management of herpes zoster shingles in the geriatric population Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 384, 217–224 Retrieved from https://wwwncbinlmnihgov/pmc/articles/PMC3684190/
MLALeonard, Jayne What to expect when you have shingles Medical News Today MediLexicon, Intl, 13 Mar 2018 Web5 Jul 2019 <https://wwwmedicalnewstodaycom/articles/321198php>
APALeonard, J 2018, March 13 What to expect when you have shingles Medical News Today Retrieved fromhttps://wwwmedicalnewstodaycom/articles/321198php
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Shingles normally lasts 3 to 5 weeks, but there are some factors that may affect how long it takes to heal. Learn more about what to et.
Shingles is a viral infection that affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States Around half of all shingles cases occur in adults over 60 years old
It can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox, as both shingles and chickenpox are caused by the varicella-zoster virus VZV This virus remains in the body after chickenpox has cleared and can reactivate at any time, leading to shingles
Several days before a rash appears, shingles may cause skin sensitivity or pain Further early symptoms include:
It should be noted that shingles symptoms range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing itching and mild discomfort and others having intense pain
Post-herpetic neuropathy PHN is a common complication of shingles It refers to nerve damage that causes pain and burning that persists after the shingles infection is gone
Some sources suggest that up to 20 percent of people who get shingles develop PHN with older adults thought to be especially at risk
It is not known why some people who have shingles go on to develop PHN The risk factors for PHN include:
It is important to see a doctor as soon as a person notices the symptoms of shingles
The National Institute on Aging recommend that people seek medical treatment no later than 3 days after the rash appears Early treatment can limit pain, help the rash heal quicker, and may reduce scarring
Certain antidepressant drugs have been proven effective in reducing shingles pain, as well as symptoms of PHN
Although typically used to treat epilepsy, some anticonvulsant drugs may reduce nerve pain Again, these can take several weeks to take effect Commonly prescribed anticonvulsants for shingles include:
However, a person with shingles can give chickenpox to someone who has never had the VZV infection before
Therefore, people with shingles should avoid contact with those who have never had chickenpox until their rash has completely healed To catch the virus, someone must have direct contact with the rash
There is a vaccination available to reduce the risk of developing shingles and experiencing long-term complications, such as PHN
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends that adults aged 60 years and older have this vaccination, as it is believed to reduce the risk of shingles by 50 percent and PHN by 67 percent
People who have already had shingles can have the vaccine to prevent future occurrences Each vaccination protects for approximately 5 years
Up to a third of the population in the US is affected by shingles Symptoms vary in their severity and duration Early intervention is key in reducing symptom severity and avoiding complications, such as PHN
People should consider having the shingles vaccination to reduce their risk of getting shingles and long-term nerve pain
Cohen, K R, Salbu, R L, Frank, J, & Israel, I 2013, April Presentation and management of herpes zoster shingles in the geriatric population Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 384, 217–224 Retrieved from https://wwwncbinlmnihgov/pmc/articles/PMC3684190/
MLALeonard, Jayne What to expect when you have shingles Medical News Today MediLexicon, Intl, 13 Mar 2018 Web5 Jul 2019 <https://wwwmedicalnewstodaycom/articles/321198php>
APALeonard, J 2018, March 13 What to expect when you have shingles Medical News Today Retrieved fromhttps://wwwmedicalnewstodaycom/articles/321198php
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