Shingles Early Detection & Treatments

Shingles is a common viral infection of the nerves. It causes a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin. It is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated and it is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.

Early signs and symptoms

To determine if you are developing shingles your healthcare provider will do a complete physical exam and ask about your medical history, specifically about whether you have ever had chickenpox. During this time your healthcare provider will also likely know it is shingles based on the unique rash. Shingles starts with skin sensitivity, tingling, itching, and/or pain followed by rash that looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters. The rash usually appears one area on one side of the body or face. It will later appears as red spots, small fluid- or pus-filled vesicles, or scabs.

Early treatment

Symptoms of shingles usually don’t last longer than 3 to 5 weeks. However, complications can happen. The main complications that can result from shingles include:

-Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
-Bacterial infection.

Early treatment of shingles may prevent PHN. Pain relievers and steroid treatment may be used to treat the pain and inflammation.
Other treatments include:
-Antiviral drugs
-Antidepressants
-Anticonvulsants, and topical agents.

With DermaDex we aim to get an early diagnosis and list of treatments to lessen the severity and likelyhood of complications like PHN. To reduce the severity and shorten the length of the illness, treatment must be started as soon as possible. If you think you have shingles, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Shorten the wait time of your diagnosis with our App and the DermaDex team.