Learn about shingles and its symptoms, causes, and treatments, including advice for treating shingles at home and when to seek medical help, in this article about the infection.
What Is The Shingles Infection?
Every year, tens of thousands of people are affected by shingles, a viral infection that can cause a painful rash to break out on the body. This week, even famous TV presenter Holly Willoughby, 42, has been hit by the condition, which has kept her away from presenting on ITV's, This Morning. But what exactly is shingles, and what should you do if you suspect you have it?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you've had chickenpox before, the virus stays within your body and can reactivate as shingles later on. Shingles usually presents as a band or strip of red, blistered skin that wraps around the left or right side of your torso, but can appear anywhere on the body.
What Are Symptoms of Shingles?
The first sign of the rash is usually red patches on the skin, and there may be itching, tingling, or burning under the skin. In some cases, there may also be flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and chills. The rash can be quite painful, and fluid-filled blisters may develop, which can take up to five weeks to heal. If you suspect you have shingles, it's important to call 111 (UK residents) or visit your doctor as soon as possible, as you may need medication to help manage the symptoms.
While there's no cure for shingles, there are things you can do to manage the symptoms at home. The NHS website advises taking paracetamol to manage the pain, keeping the rash clean and dry, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and using a cool compress a few times a day. However, it's important to avoid letting dressings or plasters stick to the rash, and to avoid using antibiotic cream.
What To Do If You Have Shingles?
If you have shingles, it's also important to stay away from certain groups of people to avoid spreading chickenpox. This includes pregnant people who have not had chickenpox before, people with a weakened immune system, and babies less than a month old.
In summary, shingles is a viral infection that can cause a painful rash on the body. If you suspect you have shingles, it's important to call 111 or visit your doctor as soon as possible. While there's no cure for shingles, there are things you can do to manage the symptoms at home, such as taking paracetamol, keeping the rash clean and dry, and using a cool compress. By following these steps, you can help to manage the symptoms of shingles and prevent the spread of the virus to others.
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