Knowing all about Shingles - By: Quade Davidson

Shingles is an infection which happens in men in the nerve and in the area around the skin. Also known as Herpes Zoster this infection happens due to the herpes named varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for causing chicken pox in individuals. Shingles may cause a painful rash along with blisters. The pain delivered by this infection may still last even after the rash heals. Shingles in men normally happens on the left or the right side of the body.

The existence of the infection may be related to the history of chicken pox which an individual may have experienced in his childhood. In simple terms, when a person suffers from chickenpox in childhood, the illness and the marks may get wiped away with time, but what remains behind is the infection, the virus varicella-zoster. The immune system keeps this virus inactive and keeps a check on it, but with time or later in life the infection gets reactivated and this gives rise to Shingles.

Statistics on Shingles

The statistics of shingles shows an estimation of 1.1 million people between the years 2003 – 2005 showed symptoms of Shingles. In an average, 900,000 people including men sought for treatment against Shingles every year.

The infection of Shingles can happen at any age. Yet, this is the more common in men who are above 50 years of age. Amongst men above 80 years, the possibility of developing this infection is at the maximum, because 11 people in 1,000 men suffer from shingles belonging to this age. Shingles and the possibility of it affecting young men and children is the least.

The reactivation of shingles and its occurrence later in life is quite unknown, but it can be due to low immunity. This may happen due to:

- Old age
- Stress and
- Due to certain conditions that may affect the immunity system through sexually transmitted diseases.

Symptoms of Shingles-

Early symptoms of Shingles:

- High temperature
- Pain in the muscles
- Itchiness, burning feeling in the affected area
- Experience of pain in the arms and legs
- Exhaustion and fatigue feeling
- Feeling weak and feverish
- Mild or severe pain in the body parts
- Appearance of itchy red blisters like chickenpox.
- Development of scabs from blisters is some of the signs that may cause Shingles in men.

Risks related to Shingles-

Shingles happens to only those people who have experienced the chickenpox disease in early years of their life. Shingles does not spread from person to person contact. But if an individual indirectly or unknowingly comes in direct contact with the fluid of the blisters or due to the fluid on bed sheets or towel, then the infection may easily spread in him.

An individual suffering from Shingles should keep himself at bay from any crowded place or avoid swimming, and he should also not play contact sports.

Treatment-

Shingles cannot be cured completely, but the symptoms can be treated before the situation or the health condition of that individual worsens.

- Individual suffering from Shingles should keep the rash dry and clean.
- Wearing loose fitting clothes is the other option.
- Medications such as antihistamine, antidepressants, anti inflammatory drugs need to be taken as per the dosage suggested by the doctor.

About the Author

Quade Davidson, a general practitioner, is also an acclaimed writer famous for her tips on men's impotency. Her articles on various ED medications such Online Generic Viagra and Suhagra have helped many to lead a normal life again.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Quade-Davidson/107984

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