It takes place if a dormantchickenpoxinfection suddenly reactivates.
Later in life, the virus can spontaneously reactivate and cause the painful, blistering condition recognized as shingles.
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About one in three people in the U.S. will have shingles during their lifetime.
When a person gets chickenpox, their immune system will eliminate VZV from most locations of the body.
When reactivation occurs, the outbreak will develop on adermatomean area of skin serviced by that specific spinal nerve.
There are a total of 30 spinal nerve roots with a corresponding dermatome on either side of the body.
Genital and oral herpes is sparked by the herpes simplex 2 virus.
Shingles Symptoms
Herpes zoster causes the formation of a painful, blistering rash.
The rash usually appears unilaterallyon one area of the skin on one side of the body.
Most cases of shingles last for three to five weeks.
It takes place if the nerves have been damaged after an outbreak of shingles.
Diminished immunity is largely believed to be the cause.
People with a normally functioning immune system can usually keep the virus in check.
If the immune system is suppressed, the virus is more likely to reactivate and cause an outbreak.
The risk of herpes zoster increases with age.
Even so, younger adults and even children are known to experience shingles.
Is Shingles Contagious?
If the person gets infected, they will develop chickenpox, not shingles.
They could then develop shingles later in life.
If you have shingles, youre contagious until the rash is dried and crusted over.
With that said,zosteriform herpes simplex(a form ofherpes simplex) can mimic shingles.
It can be differentiated with a blood test called anIgM antibody testor a skin test called aTzanck smear.
Most side effects are relatively mild and tend to resolve within a day or two.
After 72 hours, the benefits of antiviral therapy drop significantly.
If your healthcare provider is not available, access an urgent care facility or telehealth services.
It usually affects people later in life and causes a painful, blistering rash.
Treatment includes antiviral drugs and pain-relieving medications.
Shingles can be prevented about 90% of the time with two doses of the Shingrix vaccine.
Contact your healthcare provider or an urgent care facility right away if you suspect you have shingles.
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