Shingles
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a viral infection caused by Varicella zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles can develop in anyone who has had chicken pox. The chicken pox virus often remains dormant in the body's nerve root cells. It may surface years later in the form of shingles. It is likely to occur when the body is weak or stressed or immune defences are low. Shingles is not a contagious condition nor does it lead to cold sores or genital herpes.
Shingles appear as painful blisters. Shingles rashes appear as a cluster of raised red dots on one side of the body. They become filled with fluid and later dry out and form a crust. There is severe pain and sensitivity. Typically these painful blisters appear to affect one part of the body. There may be itching and tingling feeling on the skin before the shingles rashes appear. In cases of shingles where the eye is affected, it is essential to consult an opthalmologist immediately. A patient suffering from shingles may notice fever and headache.
Calamine lotion can be applied to affected areas to soothe the skin. Analgesics or NSAIDs can help in reducing pain. Antiviral medications are often prescribed for shingles. An attack of shingles might last for about a month.
Chicken Pox
A common childhood disease, chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Adults too can be afflicted by this self-limiting disease. Usuallly, a person is affected by chicken pox just once in a lifetime. However the virus can lie dormant in the body and surface later as shingles. It is essential to consult the doctor if the rash spreads to the eye or it is accompanied by disorientation and dizziness. Rare complications of chicken pox include viral pneumonia or encephalitis. There is a risk of a birth defect if a pregnant woman contracts chicken pox in the first trimester.
Chicken pox surfaces as red and itchy rashes on the skin. These blisters appear on the face, arms, abdomen, mouth, ears and scalp. Over time the rashes get filled with clear fluid. They break open in a few days to crust over and become dark and dry scabs. A person suffering from chicken pox also tends to suffer symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat and abdominal pain. The symptoms are milder and the blisters are fewer when chicken pox affects children. Chicken pox is very contagious, especially in the first few days when the rash appears.
An episode of chicken pox lasts for a couple of weeks. Patients suffering from chicken pox usually do not require any medication. But they can be given cool baths to relieve itching. Calamine lotion when applied to the itchy areas can give relief. Children suffering from chicken pox must be given mild food that is easy on the digestion. The chicken pox vaccine is now given to prevent episode of chicken pox. This varicella vaccine is now part of the regular immunization schedule for chidren.
Polymyalgia
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition of muscle pain and stiffness - often in the shoulders, neck, hips and upper arms. Sometimes it happens in the thighs as well. This condition begins with a gradual onset and often lasts for several years. The stiffness is worse for many hours with bouts of depression and sometimes patients report fever.
Cause of Polymyalgia: The cause is often obscure. It is thought to be associated with autoimmune disease with a reaction resulting in inflammation of the connective tissue. Joint linings and tendon coverings may well be affected. Polymyalgia almost always begins after the age of 50 and is common with women.
Treatment for Polymyalgia: Mostly the treatment option is symptomatic. Many people respond to non-steroidal anti inflammatory medicine like Aspirin and ibuprofen. Some cases might require steroids.
While on steroids, avoid contact with people infected with varicella, shingles (herpes zoaster) as the steroids will render you vulnerable to the virus infections. A protective injection of VZIG - varicella / zoaster immune globulin antibodies might help in some cases.
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