Shingles Treatment

Shingles is a viral infection that is related to the chickenpox virus. It causes a painful rash to occur on the body, typically on one side of the body at a time. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus lays dormant inside the nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. The virus tends to affect those who are 45 years and older, when it reactivates as shingles. While shingles is not a life threatening condition, we at Medical Dermatology Specialists understand how painful the condition can be. Dr. Jamie Weisman is a nationally recognized and board certified dermatologist who treats each patient on an individualized basis to develop a shingles treatment plan to lessen the severity and/or duration of the uncomfortable rash.

There are common signs and symptoms of shingles: pain, burning sensation, a red rash that occurs shortly after the pain, itching, fluid filled blisters, fever and chills, and general achiness. However, the telltale sign of shingles is that the rash and pain usually only affect a small section on just one side of the body. For instance, the neck is a common breakout point, and it is almost like someone drew an imaginary line down the center of the neck because the rash typically stops once its reaches the center (where the spinal cord resides). For many, pain can be an intense symptom. Because the virus has been inactive within the nerve tissue, when it flares up, the pain shocks the sensitive nerve tissue. Contacting Medical Dermatology Specialists as soon as signs and symptoms are present is very important in order to minimize the effects of shingles.

Treatment methods vary by patient, but all treatments will prove most effective if initiated within three days of the shingles rash appearing. If you have the signs and symptoms of shingles, call Medical Dermatology Specialists right away for the next available appointment. We care about our patients individually, and we offer the most effective and comprehensive approach to the treatment of shingles.