Shingles
Shingles, also known as night burn, is a skin disease characterized by pain, redness and water-filled blisters along a nerve trace on the skin. Although the disease can also be seen in the pediatric age group, it is often seen in advanced age.
The causative agent of shingles is Varicella Zoster. Shingles is seen with the activation of this virus, which remains latent in the posterior root ganglia of the dorsal nerves after chickenpox. Immunosuppression (diseases-medications) and stress play an important role in the occurrence of the disease. The disease is diagnosed clinically.
What is shingles and why does it occur?
Shingles is an infection characterized by painful rashes along a specific nerve in the body. It develops when the chickenpox virus reactivates and is often caused by factors such as stress, immune system weakness or aging. Blisters and rashes along a nerve line in the body are typical symptoms of shingles.
Shingles and the Immune System: Prevention Methods
Shingles usually occurs when the immune system is weakened. A healthy immune system is therefore critical in preventing the disease. Factors such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding stress and getting enough sleep protect the body against viruses. In addition, the shingles vaccine may be recommended for older people and those with a weak immune system.
Postherpetic Neuralgia Coping with Chronic Pain
Some people who have had shingles may develop chronic pain called “postherpetic neuralgia”, where nerve damage remains after the rash has gone. This condition occurs when the nerves take longer to heal and can become a serious quality of life problem after shingles. Special painkillers, nerve treatments and physical therapy can be used to manage this type of pain.
Personalized Approaches in Shingles Treatment
Treatment for shingles is individualized according to the patient’s general state of health, level of immunity and severity of symptoms. At our clinic, we create treatment plans specific to each patient’s needs and take a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the most effective outcome.
Is shingles contagious?
Shingles can be contagious for people who have not had chickenpox, but you cannot get shingles directly. Contact with a shingles patient who has the chickenpox virus can infect them with chickenpox.