What are the symptoms of shingles?
The symptoms of shingles can include:
- A painful rash that develops into blisters
- Pain, burning, or tingling in the affected area
- Itching or sensitivity in the rash area
- Fever or tiredness
- Headache
What causes shingles?
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Once a person has chickenpox, the virus can become inactive in the body and can reactivate later, often due to stress, a weakened immune system, or illness.
How common are shingles?
Shingles is quite common, especially in older adults. It can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, but it is more likely to occur in people over the age of 50.
Who is more likely to get shingles?
People who may be more likely to get shingles include:
- Adults over 50 years old
- Anyone who has had chickenpox
- People with weakened immune systems due to illness or medication
- Those under significant stress or who have had recent trauma to the body
How can I treat shingles?
While there is no cure for shingles, treatment can help relieve symptoms. Options include:
- Antiviral medicines to reduce the length and severity of the illness
- Pain relievers (like paracetamol) to help with discomfort
- Cool compresses or soothing lotions for the rash
If you think you have shingles, consider booking an online Pharmacy First consultation through Healthera to get diagnosed and treated (if appropriate) by a trusted pharmacist.
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How to prevent shingles?
Shingles can be prevented with a vaccine. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over 50 to help lower the risk of getting shingles.
How to live with shingles?
If you have shingles, it’s important to take care of yourself. Some tips include:
- Resting and getting plenty of sleep
- Using pain relief as recommended by your doctor
- Avoiding scratching to reduce the risk of infection
- Keeping the rash clean and covered
How quickly can I recover from shingles?
Most people start to feel better within 2 to 4 weeks, although some may experience pain even after the rash has healed.
What’s the outlook for shingles?
While shingles can be painful, most people recover fully. However, some may have continued pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia, in the area where the shingles appeared.
Final thoughts
Shingles can be a painful condition, but treatments are available. If you’re concerned about shingles or your symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
