Up to 10 cases per 1000 people — shingles can occur with this frequency. This condition is an extremely painful disease, which is mainly common among the elderly. Although no one is immune from such a pathology — young people are also susceptible to it.
Experts identify several signs that will help identify such a pathology in themselves in order to see a doctor as soon as possible. So, the British edition of Express, citing doctors, says that shingles can appear on a small area on one side of the body and is accompanied by the appearance of symptoms such as pain, burning sensation, numbness or tingling.
In addition, there are signs such as:
- increased sensitivity to touch on the affected area of the body;
- a red rash that usually appears a few days following the soreness has been noted;
- blisters on the skin that are filled with fluid begin to open and crust;
- itching.
In addition, among the signs of the disease are fever, headache, increased sensitivity to light and fatigue.
Pain with shingles can be quite severe, doctors say. At the same time, due to localization, such a symptom is often mistaken for a sign of problems with the heart, lungs or kidneys. It also happens that the rash does not appear.
The rash, which itself can also be painful, usually lasts 7-10 days. It may take 2-4 weeks for complete healing.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, also known as herpes. It is noted that a person with shingles, in contact with another who did not have chickenpox, may be contagious to him. In addition, it should be understood that shingles can be ill once more if a person has a weakened immune system.
Shingles can now be prevented by vaccination — a vaccine once morest the virus that causes it and chickenpox is already available and is being actively used. On this issue, you should consult with your doctor.
In preparing the material, the following sources: