How does shingles start in adults? Infection types, severity of symptoms and risk factors are the three main questions that need to be answered. Shingles in adults can result from one of several potential viral infections: Herpes Zoster, Vibration or Cervical Disease. Understanding these and knowing what type is associated with your particular case will help you determine the best course of treatment and care.
The virus that causes Shingles in adults is a varicella virus. This virus is most commonly associated with a rash that covers the face and ears, but does not cause pain or blisters. The virus produces the same proteins as the herpes virus, so some of the symptoms will resemble those of herpes. However, unlike herpes, there is no pain associated with shingles in adults and therefore outbreaks tend to occur in isolation and without pain.
The virus will travel from the eye to the brain and then to the spinal cord. Some people experience symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, nerve pain and loss of appetite. Those who have an existing medical condition or who are undergoing treatment for another ailment may also exhibit these same symptoms. Treatment such as pain medication or antiviral medication can result in improved symptoms. However, once the pain has subsided, the virus is basically stationary and there is no ongoing treatment needed.
An exception to the stationary nature of this virus in adults is when someone suffers a break in the skin and develops shingles around the area of the break. This pain relief becomes more acute because it impacts the nervous system. For this reason, treatment is urgently required. If the patient is not receiving pain relief medications, antiviral medication or a combination of both, the virus can rapidly spread throughout the body and result in severe pain, a rash and other complications such as confusion and memory loss.
While the virus remains in the body for the majority of its life, it is dormant until triggered by an exposure to the virus. When this happens, the symptoms of the virus become apparent. The virus is then able to travel from the eye to the brain and return to affect the nervous system. The pain caused from the virus can then be transferred back to the pain reliever causing a vicious cycle.
While pain relief medications can provide temporary relief of shingles in adults, they do not offer a cure. While they relieve the pain, they cannot cure the virus that causes the pain. Shingles can be a highly contagious disease which is why it is imperative to seek medical attention if you or a loved one develops these symptoms. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help to alleviate some of the pain associated with shingles.
There are a number of myths surrounding how does shingles start in adults? One of the most common beliefs is that the virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected tick. This is not true. Ticks are not the only way an infected person can contract shingles. The virus can easily travel through clothes or hair and even vaginal fluids.
Since the exact cause of shingles is not known, doctors are not sure of the best way in which to treat the illness. They do know that shingles can cause severe pain and should be treated quickly to limit the possibility of long-term damage. With that in mind, asking “How does shingles start in adults?”
How does shingles manifest itself in patients? Patients commonly experience both symptoms and pain. The pain usually occurs first, usually on one side of the body. The symptoms that follow include:
Other possible symptoms include fever, nausea and vomiting, weakness, dizziness, head pain, and muscle weakness. Those who have had previous exposure to the virus are at a higher risk for developing severe pain as well as other symptoms. The virus spreads by the means of skin to skin contact. Therefore, if a patient is injured or cuts his or her skin, then he or she may become infected. It’s also possible for those without prior exposure to the virus to get it, although the odds of this happening are low.
The answer to the question “how does shingles start in adults?” can be difficult to understand and interpret. It is important that medical professionals determine the exact cause of this condition in order to provide the best treatment possible. This virus is often associated with other complications, such as arthritis and other skin conditions. However, once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment can be started, which can provide relief from pain and other annoying symptoms.