Shingles

What is shingles❓

 Infection of a nerve and skin patch by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox

 Shingles is a recurrence in only one area, years after chicken pox ⌛

 Contagious to those who have never had chicken pox only

What are the symptoms of shingles❓

 Pain in a specific patch of skin 😖

 Rash: red blotches and small blisters

How do you diagnose shingles❓

 Having classical symptoms

 Physical examination 🏨

How do you treat shingles❓

 Self-care:

 Loose-fitting clothing 👕

 Cooling the affected area ❄

 Simple emollients (calamine lotion)

 Painkillers:

 Paracetamol with/without codeine 💊

 Antiviral medicine (within 72 hours) 💊

Why should I worry about shingles❓

 Post-herpetic neuralgia: pain lasting beyond infection 😖

 Scarring (if scratched)