Diagnosis of Shingles
Shingles is normally diagnosed by asking questions about a person’s medical history. A doctor might suspect shingles if the patient encounters itching, numbness, tingling or pain on one side of the body or face. The doctor will also take a sample of the skin to see if it is contaminated with the virus that causes shingles. A blood test might also be ordered to see if there is an increase in white blood cells and antibodies.

Treatment of Shingles
Shingles normally go away within a few weeks; however, there are a few things that can be done to help quicken the process. Getting immediate treatment can help prevent nerve pain that is associated with shingles. The main goals that doctors try to accomplish when treating shingle are to decrease the length of the rash, quicken the healing of the legions, alleviate the distress that patients experience and thwart complications.

Shingles can be painful, so it is important for patients to seek help so that they can eliminate the pain. Medications can also be prescribed to help with the pain associated with shingles. Narcotics or numbing agents are commonly used drugs that doctors often prescribe for shingles. Doctors will also prescribe antiviral drugs to help speed the healing process, and these drugs are most effective if they are started within 3 days of the first signs of shingles.

One of the main things that doctors want to do is to prevent complications that could arise as a result of shingles. Postherpetic neuralgia is one problem that could occur. This normally occurs in older adults, and the chronic pain can continue for months, even years. Doctors will mainly focus on trying to alleviate the pain caused by this complication.

There are several things that a doctor might tell his patient to do to help with shingles. A person can take a bath two times each day and apply a cool wrapping over the rash. The individual should attempt to not be exposed to warm or hot water, as it could cause more itching. After cleaning the legion, they should be covered with gauze that fits loosely. In addition, scratching the wounds could cause infection; therefore, clipping the fingernails might help. Wearing tight clothing could aggravate the rash, so loose-fitting clothing should be worn.

Most people who have shingles once develop immunity to the disorder. This is good news, considering that the ailment is extremely uncomfortable. People who suspect that they have shingles should consult their doctor immediately.