Health & Fitness

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Q) How can I tell if I have shingles?

A) Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. 

It results in a painful rash that needs to be recognized and treated early in order to shorten the course of the infection and lessen the chances of complications. 

The signs and symptoms of shingles usually affect only a small section of one side of your body. These signs and symptoms may include sensations such as pain, burning, numbness or tingling, a red rash that begins a few days after the pain, fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over, and itching. 

As well, some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, achiness, headache and fatigue. Out of all of these possible symptoms, the first one usually experienced is pain which may in some cases be intense. 

While shingles can occur anywhere on the body, most commonly the rash looks like a narrow band of blisters that runs from one side of your chest to your spine or breastbone. Other less common spots that are sometimes seen in practice are a rash around one eye or on one side of the neck or face. 

Keep in mind that it is not unheard of for people to experience the pain without ever developing a rash. 

For best results, treatment needs to be initiated within 72 hours of the first sign of the rash. Prompt treatment is especially important for those who have the rash or pain near the eyes as this can lead to permanent eye damage; those with a weakened immune system; and those where the rash is widespread and very painful.

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Sunday, July 24, 2011