If you have already experienced shingles, you may ask yourself, “Will shingles hurt?” The answer to that question will ultimately depend on where on your body the virus began. Shingles is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), a virus that has been around for years. It is most commonly known as the chicken pox virus. This type of virus enters through an open break in the skin, such as a wound or tear. Once inside the body, it attacks the nerve cells and the protein found in the body called the myelin.
When myelin is damaged, the brain’s ability to properly process messages from the nerves decreases. This is what makes getting the symptoms of shingles so painful. This same breakdown in the myelin is also what causes the other common infection types, including: chicken pox, measles, and hepatitis. In order to prevent shingles from occurring, you need to be aware of the symptoms associated with this problem. Those are:
What is the best treatment for shingles? There are a variety of treatments available to you. Your doctor may recommend a prescribed medication that will ease the pain of shingles. Others opt for more natural remedies. While no cure exists for this condition, there are things that can be done to ease the pain and discomfort associated with it. The treatment you decide on will ultimately be up to your preference.
Is there a way to prevent shingles? The best treatment option is to prevent shingles in the first place. The reason why is because there is no evidence to support the theory of what actually causes shingles. However, most medical professionals agree that the virus, which is responsible for causing the pain, is not contagious. This means that you can’t catch shingles from anyone else. If you do catch it, there are several methods of treatment that you should consider.
How can you avoid getting this painful virus? One way is to avoid being around people who have it. If you are not used to sharing personal items with others, it is likely that you will develop some form of an infection. Once you get to know individuals who have been infected with shingles, you should limit your exposure to them. As soon as you are comfortable with someone, you should stop contact. If you are dating someone who has been diagnosed with the disease, it may take some time before you get to know him or her.
Can this disease be transferred to others? You should be aware of the possibility that you could pass on the disease to another person. However, since the symptoms for shingles are almost identical to those for other conditions, the virus won’t be able to travel from person to person. It will most likely be up to your doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment or not.
Is it possible to get treated for shingles at home? Yes, you can get help for shingles in a variety of ways. Most people prefer to treat shingles using over-the-counter medications. However, you may also be able to buy medicated pads and creams to use in private.
Will shingles cause me permanent pain? Unfortunately, this is the most common question people ask when they first hear about shingles. Unfortunately, because pain can be caused by a lot of different things, it is impossible to say for sure what will happen. However, most people can experience some level of pain following their first attack. The severity will depend on your own body and how badly the virus is affecting it.