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Shingles, properly called Herpes Zoster, is a painful skin rash. It most often occurs in adults, primarily those over the age of 50 or individuals with low immunity. There may be initial flu-like symptoms which can be followed by a feeling of burning, itching, and/or numbness on the skin. It usually appears in a “band” across the abdomen and onto the back, although shingles can appear anywhere on the body. This is often followed by small, fluid-filled blisters that crust over within 7-10 days. Shingles can be very painful and the pain may last after the rash has resolved.
What Causes Shingles?
Shingles are caused by a virus. The initial infection of chickenpox, almost always in childhood, is followed by a dormant version of the virus Varicella Zoster, which stays in the nerve and may cause shingles later in life. The primary difference between chickenpox and shingles, however, is that the discomfort of shingles is pain rather than itching. Although it heals generally within 1-2 weeks, the residual nerve pain can last for months or even years.
How do we treat Shingles? Dr. Schwedelson or Dr. De Araujo will carefully evaluate your skin in our Boca Raton aesthetic center and make the best treatment recommendation based on the severity, extent and location of the condition. Treatment options include anti-viral medication, pain medication, and sometimes oral steroids. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the duration and severity of your discomfort while avoiding complications, such as infection.
