Many people have had chickenpox in childhood but are not aware that in some people it can have long-lasting effects. In these people, the chickenpox virus remains inactive even after recovery. It can reactivate later, particularly in older adults, and cause a different disease called shingles. As we age, our immunity declines, and people most at risk of shingles are those who have had chickenpox at some point in their life and have later developed other conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and HIV. These diseases further weaken the aging immune system and leave us open to many serious infections, such as shingles.
In Maharashtra, shingles has an interesting name: Naagin, a name given to it because the rash it causes resembles a snake encircling the body. In the local culture it is seen as a bad omen. As a result, patients often do not seek medical attention as quickly as they should and rely on unsuitable local remedies. Those who have had chickenpox and are now over the age of 50 should learn to recognize the symptoms of shingles and seek medical help without delay.
Shingles can cause severe pain and acute discomfort
Although the rash may go away on its own, the pain can linger and affect daily activities in older adults. About 10% to 50% of aging patients suffer from persistent pain after shingles. This pain 1 can incapacitate patients and increase their dependence on caregivers. Shingles can also cause permanent scarring in some patients. Rare complications of shingles include vision loss, hearing loss, or weakness in the hands and legs. two
Shingles requires immediate medical attention, especially to relieve pain and minimize complications of the disease. There are specific antiviral medications that can be used effectively to treat shingles. However, treatment must start early to be most effective.
It’s time to dispel the myth that shingles is a “bad omen.” It is a viral infection with painful and distressing symptoms. Local folk remedies cannot treat this virus. Therefore, consulting a doctor is absolutely necessary. Shingles is not only treatable when caught early, but it can also be prevented with a vaccine.
Shingles requires immediate medical attention, especially to relieve pain and minimize complications of the disease. There are specific antiviral medications that can be used effectively to treat shingles. However, treatment must start early to be most effective.
It’s time to dispel the myth that shingles is a “bad omen.” It is a viral infection with painful and distressing symptoms. Local folk remedies cannot treat this virus. Therefore, consulting a doctor is absolutely necessary. Shingles is not only treatable when caught early, but it can also be prevented with a vaccine.
We need to make sure that all adults over the age of 50 talk to their doctor about the preventive benefits of adult vaccines. Vaccines are an important pillar of preventive health. Disease prevention lightens the burden on our health infrastructure and the economic burden on people. It also helps them lead a life free from disease, pain, and dependency on others. There are already several vaccines available that can protect older adults against a number of serious diseases, and hopefully one for shingles will be available soon. The article is written by Dr. Anil Patki, Senior Consultant Dermatologist
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Source: news.google.com