$Unique_ID{BRK00695}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Are the Causes and Cures of Shingle?}
$Subject{shingles rash herpes viruses viral Infections Skin Zoster pain
infection varicella-zoster virus posthepatic neuralgia tricyclic
antidepressants corticosteroids Acyclovir Zovirax capsaicin analgesic cream
Zostrix nerve nerves spinal cord}
$Volume{A-20, L-2}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are the Causes and Cures of Shingle?


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QUESTION:  Could you please review the causes and cures of shingle?  My
husband has had a bad case which is in the seventh week.  He still has welts
and stabs of pain in his back.  What can be done to help him?

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ANSWER:  Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, can be a tormenting disease,
with severe pain and a characteristic rash that seems to wind across one side
of the body like a fiery red snake.  In fact that is where the name comes
from, as "herpes" is the Greek word for "serpent".  The problem may start with
symptoms of chills, fever, and the aches and malaise that comes with any viral
infection.  These symptoms may occur two or three days before the rash
develops.  Herpes is caused by an infection of the varicella-zoster virus in
nerves which start in the spinal cord and run out across the body.  The rash
develops along the route of the infected nerve which produces the thin, snake
like appearance.  The clusters of blister-like rash will begin to crust and
scab about 5 days after they appear.  Although this disease may occur in
people of any age, it is more common in individuals over the age of fifty, and
it is in this older group that the pain often continues for months and years.
Known as "posthepatic neuralgia," it is a difficult condition to treat.
Analgesics, alone or in combination with tricyclic antidepressants (like
amitriptyline) may be helpful in suppressing the pain.  Frequently injections
of corticosteroids (like prednisone) are used to reduce the inflammation and
pain.  Acyclovir (Zovirax) has been shown to be helpful in treating herpes
zoster in the early and acute stages.  When the lesions have disappeared but
pain remains, a new product, capsaicin topical analgesic cream (Zostrix), can
be applied directly to the skin in the tender areas, and can effectively
control the pain.  Capsaicin is a natural chemical derived from plants in the
solanaceae or nightshade family which includes the tomato and the garden
pepper.  The good news is that one attack of herpes usually confers immunity
so you won't have to worry about it ever returning.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.