Do You Have Shingles? We Can Help!!

Approximately 20% of the world's population suffers from herpes zoster (shingles) at least once in a lifetime. Shingles typically begins with mild aches and pains, vague feelings of bodily discomfort, nausea, chills and fever. There may also be burning or shooting pain in a certain part of the body. Eventually, lesions appear. The culprit behind this painful condition is the same virus responsible for causing chickenpox. This virus remains in the body following an attack of chickenpox but lies dormant for a period of time. It becomes active again when the immune system is weakened, perhaps due to age or to a medical condition.

Those who have never had chickenpox must stay away from patients with shingles, especially when the patient has the active lesions (which may appear as blisters). It is possible to catch chickenpox when exposed to these patients. Shingles is a major threat to anyone with poor immune status.

The pain of shingles can be excruciating at times, since it affects the nerves. It has been described as stabbing, shooting, tearing or burning pain. Even a breeze, the pressure from clothing, or the weight of a bedsheet can be extremely painful.

Delaying treatment of shingles can allow a painful condition known as postherpetic neuralgia to develop. This condition can last for several months or years after the attack of shingles has appeared.

Fortunately, we can provide treatment options for you that aim to accelerate healing and control the pain of shingles. These are often prescribed in the form of a topical cream or gel that contain a combination of ingredients, including antivirals, anesthetics, and neuropathic pain agents.  For more information on how we can offer alternatives to help alleviate your symptoms please contact us by clicking (HERE) or call our nearest location. We are happy to provide you and your prescriber with any information that is requested.