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Shingles in Seniors – And, Everything You Need to Know About It


Remember the fluid-filled blisters on your skin as a child? You know it was chickenpox and you also know that chickenpox, once occurred will not return. But, it does! Every one person in four who are above 50 age will get the same skin rash like chickenpox. This time around its called shingles. It also referred as herpes zoster.

The viral infection causes pain and a burning sensation. It mainly appears on the regions of neck, torso and sides of the face. It stays for 2 or 3 weeks and it very rarely occurs for more than once for the same person.

The blisters may appear on the skin just like chickenpox blisters. They may stay for 1 to 2 weeks and after that, they flatten and dry out leaving minimal scars on the skin. In few people this may occur near eyes and spread to the eyes causing pain whenever the person blinks. However, the chances for it are very minimal.

As elders have higher chances of developing this viral skin rash during the summer season due to the hot weather conditions, it is important for you to have an idea of it. Here is everything you need to know about shingles. 

What Causes It: Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox – vericella zoster virus. When the chickenpox is over the virus stays inside the body all the while in an inactive state in the nervous system. Due to an unknown factor, it gets reactivated and causes the same skin rash that is itching and painful.

Symptoms of Shingles: You may feel painful and burning sensation on the skin. When you rub it forms small sizes of patches causing red colored rashes. The symptoms include itching, fluid-filled blisters typically in few people associated with fever and chills.

Diagnosing Shingles: Shingles is diagnosed by physical examination by the doctor who may ask about your medical history and if you have had chickenpox as a child. In rare cases when the person is suffering from various health conditions, your skin and fluid samples will be collected to examine the presence of vericell zoster virus.

Treatment for shingles: There is no treatment for shingles as of now. However, the doctor may prescribe you with the medication that eases the symptoms and the medications to shorten the duration of shingles. These medications include both oral and topical. You may be asked to take sufficient bed-rest and stick to the diet that prescribed by the doctor.

Preventing Shingles: Shingles is not dangerous but it is potential enough to cause serious health complications such as encephalitis and meningitis by causing brain and spinal cord inflammation. Vaccines such as varicella should be given to all children. Elders who have not received this vaccination as kids should take shingles vaccination known as varicella-zoster. 

If you are a senior citizen who is above 60 years, it is advisable for you to get shingles vaccine irrespective of whether you got chickenpox or not. Many home healthcare service providers offer vaccinations services to seniors at home.   

Vaccination may not prevent you from getting shingles at the elderly age but it will reduce the span of it on your body. It also helps you in easing the pain caused by the blisters. Everyone, including the people who are under medications and are suffering from chronic health conditions, can avail this vaccination. However, it is advisable for you to talk to your doctor to know more about shingles and whether the vaccination suits you or not. 

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