Shingles: chicken pox adult

The viral disease herpes zoster, colloquially known as shingles, is a sometimes very painful nerve inflammation that can affect anyone who has had chickenpox. If the disease is detected at an early stage, there is a good chance of recovery.

The varicella zoster virus usually appears in childhood from chickenpox, which manifest themselves in an itchy rash combined with fever. The body has preserves the infection, the virus migrates to the nerve roots of the spinal cord, and remains there in an inactive state. With a strong weakening of the immune system, for example, by stress or other diseases may break out again and cause shingles. The disease begins with a burning sensation and sometimes pain in the affected nerve areas. Weakness and fever can be added as accompanying symptoms. After a few days along the nerve trunk occur small blisters that preserves with liquid in the further course of an infectious and than may burst.

Possible complications of shingles.

In the best case, shingles heals after about four weeks. However, there is a risk of a post-herpetic neuralgia, especially in the elderly, in which can persist the burning pain for months to years. Another complication is the occurrence of the disease in the head area. But in most cases, affected or chest or abdomen. The virus has, however, taken root in higher-lying nerve cells, also eyes or ears can be infected. When suspicion of shingles should be as soon as possible to see a doctor. Complications can be reduced only if timely treatment. Although shingles is not nearly as contagious as chicken pox, close contact with pregnant women during acute illness should be avoided.