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An viral infection known by its tingling, itchy, painful and blistering rash.
What is it?
Shingles is a viral infection characterized by a painful, blistering rash appearing on one side of the body or face. The condition, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus, varicella-zoster, often stays in your nerve tissue for years or decades. If you've had chickenpox, the virus can reactivate later in life as shingles. Shingles tends to emerge when your immune system is weakened from age, stress, another illness or treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
At early onset, shingles can present as tingling of the skin in a specific area. Most cases evolve to a band-like rash that can be very painful and itchy, sometimes creating a burning sensation. Like many herpes infections, the shingles rash can be accompanied by fever, headache and fatigue.
How is it treated?
If you think you may have shingles, make an appointment with a Clarkston Dermatlogy provider in Oxford or Clarkston, Michigan. We can accurately identify the disease by inspecting the rash and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for you. Early intervention can have an impact on minimizing the intense pain during shingles and prevent potential complications like postherpetic neuralgia, a condition that can cause excruciating pain long after the rash has disappeared. Our board-certified dermatologists may recommend treatments including antiviral medications to combat the virus and lessen the severity and duration of the infection, corticosteroids to aid in reducing inflammation and various pain management strategies.