Shingles can be a very painful condition, although it is by no means life-threatening. Vaccines can help to reduce the risk of someone getting shingles. Early treatment, however, can help to shorten the lifespan of the infection and lessen the chance of any complications. In this article, we look at shingles and when to call our home doctor service for shingles in Fuengirola.
What are shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the exact same virus that also causes chickenpox. The virus typically affects a sensory nerve ganglion in addition to the skin surface that the specific nerve supplies.
Approximately 1 in 3 people will develop shingles at some point in their life. However, they can only develop this condition if they have had chickenpox or they are exposed to the virus that can it. The virus can, in fact, lie dormant for years. Most adults who have the dormant virus never go on to develop shingles. However, some people can find that their virus will reactivate several times.
Shingles are most common in people who are more than 50 years of age. However, it can appear at any time if someone has previously suffered from chickenpox.
Symptoms of shingles
The symptoms of shingles tends to affect a small area of one side of the body. These symptoms can include:
- A red rash that appears 2-3 days after the pain
- Fluid-filled blisters that can open up before crusting over
- Itching
- Pain, tingling, a burning, or numbness
- Sensitivity to touch
Some people also experience:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
If you experience any of the above symptoms please call our home doctor service for shingles in Fuengirola as soon as possible.
Pain is usually one of the first symptoms of shingles. For some patients, it can be very intense. Depending on the location of the pain, it can often be mistaken for a symptom of other conditions that can affect the lungs, kidneys or the heart, lungs. Some people experience pain without them ever developing the rash.
The rash tends to develop as a stripe of blisters. This stripe can wrap itself around the right or the left side of your torso. On occasion, the rash can appear around one eye or one side of the face or neck.
When to call our home doctor service for shingles in Fuengirola
Call our home doctor service for shingles in Fuengirola right away if you suspect you or another person has shingles, but especially in the following situations:
The pain and rash occurs near an eye. If it is left untreated, this infection can permanently damage the eye.
You're 60 years of age or above. This is because the older you are, the greater the chance you have of complications.
You or someone else has a weakened immune system.
The rash is painful and widespread.