Shingles Disease
Shingles is a disease which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The varicella-zoster virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Between the time of childhood chickenpox and an adult outbreak of shingles, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant. Although the reasons why the varicella-zoster virus lie dormant and then reappear are not known, it is an occurrence that takes place in approximately twenty percent of adults.
Presently, there is no cure for shingles, but the duration and severity of the disease can be controlled through proper treatment and the use of certain medications. Although not every case requires medication, drugs such as famcyclovir, acyclovir and valacyclovir are used in many cases to treat shingles.
One of the major complications that can accompany shingles disease occurs when the rash appears on the face. If shingles disease surfaces on your face, it can lead to vision or hearing complications. However, cases such as this normally present themselves in higher risk patients. For this group of patients, which is usually defined as individuals over sixty years of age who have had chickenpox but not shingles, a vaccine called Zostravax is recommend. This vaccine is designed to help prevent or reduce the effects of shingles in higher risk patients. This vaccine was approved by the FDA in May, 2006 and may be used in more of the general population in the coming years.
If you suspect that you may have the early signs of shingles disease, it is important to pay a visit to your doctor. They can confirm your suspicions and give you additional information on your managing your shingles disease.
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