Shingles Age Range
Shingles Age Range
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus , the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, but it is most common in adults aged 50 and above.
Risk Factors
Having a weakened immune system is one of the main risk factors for shingles. Diseases or medications that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and chemotherapy, can increase the risk of shingles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of shingles include:
- Pain, burning, numbness of tingling in the affected area
- A red rash that appears a few days after the pain
- Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
Complications
Shingles can lead to complications, such as:
- Post-herpetic neuralgia: a condition that causes long-lasting nerve pain in the area of the rash
- Eye problems, such as inflammation of the cornea, or scarring of the eye, which can lead to vision loss
- Skin infections, such as cellulitis, which may require antibiotics
Diagnosis and Treatment
Shingles can be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Treatment commonly includes antiviral drugs and pain medications. Prompt treatment can speed up healing time and reduce the risk of complications.
