One of the most difficult childhood experiences is having skin rashes or diseases. One well-known virus that caused it is the varicella-zoster virus or VZV. It’s a common trigger that induces chickenpox that despite having it treated, the virus continues to live in the body. The virus is unusually inactive though you thought it wasn’t there.
However, one out of three adults gets unlucky as the virus tends to wake up and cause shingles.
Shingles is a skin disease that attacks the nerves and makes you feel thousands of sensation. That involves burning, tingling and itching. Shingles exists alongside with rashes and blisters. Majority of those who are at risk are individuals who experienced chickenpox. Researchers find out, too, that people in their adult stage are at risk from this disease. The risks of getting this disease increases during advanced age most especially if you are 60 years old and above. Infections are difficult to fight when you are older. Age affects the immune system.
Need not to worry though for shingles isn’t a contagious disease. You cannot be contaminated if you interact with someone who has it. But you can catch it from someone who has chickenpox. Keep in mind that shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus, the VZV. Therefore, stay as far away as possible if one of your siblings or colleague has it.
Shingles outbreak is very unlike to chickenpox. It only develops on one side or in a small area of your body and face. This disease commonly exist around one side of your waistline. You can tell a shingles outbreak once you experience tingling and burning sensation in the skin. Other symptoms include chills or fever, headache, stomach pain, fluid-filled blisters and itching. As shingles develops or progresses, mild itching results into strong pain. Your skin becomes extremely sensitive to touch. Often times, symptoms can lead to hiccups and loss of vision.
The great news though is that shingles disappears naturally. The outbreak may last up to 3-5 weeks. You can cut it down though if you get plenty of rest and exercise balanced meals. Do some simple exercises, too, like walking, as this can avoid stress and reduce tingling and pain. If the blisters start to get worse or make you feel uncomfortable, apply a cool washcloth. Always keep the blisters dry. Moreover, keep your skin away from fabrics that can aggravate the situation. Do this by wearing loose-fitting clothing. Ultimately, refrain yourself from touching or scratching the rashes. Wash your hands more often to keep spreading the virus.
You can avoid shingles at once by getting its vaccine, called as Shingrix. As per description, the vaccine is safe and easy to deliver and comes with two doses, two-six months apart. Shingrix has its former name Zostavax which remains accessible today and still can be used by adults in preventing the virus.