re shingles question

[Guest guest]

Here is some more info about shingles infection.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the

virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had

chickenpox and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster

virus. The disease generally affects the elderly, although it occasionally

occurs in younger and/or immunodeficient individuals. The first sign is

usually a tingling feeling, itchiness, or stabbing pain on the skin. After a

few days, a rash appears as a band or patch of raised dots on the side of

the trunk or face. The rash develops into small, fluid-filled blisters which

begin to dry out and crust over within several days. When the rash is at its

peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to extreme and intense pain.

Contact with a person with shingles may cause chickenpox (but not shingles)

in someone who has never had chickenpox before.

Is there any treatment?

Treatment for shingles includes antiviral drugs, steroids, antidepressants,

anticonvulsants, and topical agents. The severity and duration of an attack

of shingles can be significantly reduced by immediate treatment with the

antiviral drugs acyclovir, valacyclovir or famcyclovir. These drugs may also

help stave off the painful aftereffects of shingles known as postherpetic

neuralgia.

What is the prognosis?

Although shingles can be very painful and itchy, it is not generally

dangerous to healthy individuals and it usually resolves without

complications. The rash and pain usually go away within 3 to 5 weeks.

Sometimes serious effects including partial facial paralysis (usually

temporary), ear damage, or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) may

occur. Persons with shingles on the upper half of the face should seek

medical attention immediately as the virus may cause serious damage to the

eyes. Most people who have shingles have only one bout with the disease in

their lifetime. However, individuals with impaired immune systems, i.e.,

people with AIDS or cancer, may suffer repeated episodes.

(This info is from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and

Stroke web site)

Something also to keep in mind is that the rash does not cross the midline

of the body because of how nerve fibers grow. Also, it is generally less

severe in children than in adults and kids usually are not incapacitated

like an adult can be. You must have had chicken pox as a disease in order

to get shingles, not as a virus (or so goes the theory and data.

Hope this helps,

Anne

[Guest guest]

Thanks Anne and all who responded! The info you sent did not list

antibiotics, but I spoke to someone who had shingles who was given

antibiotics. I guess he could have had a secondary infection. Also several

people I have spoken to say that they did not have the typical rash when they

had shingles.

The important thing is that my baby is back to his wild and crazy self!

Thanks again!