Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is characterized as a
viral infection that causes a painful rash. The health condition is caused by
the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After an
individual has chickenpox, usually in their younger years, the virus lies
inactive in nerve tissue around the brain and spinal cord. If the virus
reactivates in later years, the virus is known as shingles. The pain management
doctors at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler are available to assist individuals
suffering from this painful condition at their Tyler, Texas practice.
Shingles occurs in various stages. The first stage is marked
by light sensitivity and headaches. Many people also report flu-like symptoms,
but with no fever. Later, the condition causes pain, itching or tingling in a
certain area. This is the area where a band, strip or small area of rash
develops after a few days. The rash will then turn into blisters, followed by
the blisters filling with fluid and crusting over. It usually takes 2-4 weeks
for the blisters to heal.
Shingles is treated with medicines, including antiviral
medications and pain medications. Typical medications include Zovirax, Valtrex
and Famvir. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants are also commonly prescribed. Other
pain management treatments include Capsaicin cream, numbing agents and
corticosteroid injections.
For additional
information on shingles, please contact the Tyler, Texas pain management
practice of Pain Recovery Center of Tyler. You can also view our full blog
article dedicated to this topic here.
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