Doctor explains Shingles | Causes, rash, treatment, vaccine and more

Описание: In this video Dr O'Donovan explains key things you need to know about Shingles.

What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash with blisters, typically on one side of the body. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in their nerve tissue and reactivate later in life as shingles.

Symptoms of shingles:
1. Pain, tingling, or itching in the area where the rash will appear.
2. A rash of fluid-filled blisters that usually develops on one side of the body. The rash can be painful, itchy, and may burn or tingle.

In some cases, the rash can be accompanied by fever, headache, and fatigue.

Causes of Shingles:
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
After a person has chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later as shingles.
The exact reasons for reactivation are not fully understood, but it is more common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Treatment of shingles:
Antiviral medications can help shorten the duration and severity of shingles and reduce the risk of complications.
Pain relievers, including over-the-counter options like NSAIDs, can help manage pain.
Topical treatments like calamine lotion can help soothe the rash and relieve itching.
In severe cases, stronger pain medications may be needed.

Important points:
1. Shingles is contagious and can be spread to people who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.
2. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have shingles, as early treatment can help prevent complications.
3. The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia, a long-term nerve pain that can last for months or even years.

Shingles vaccine:

A shingles vaccine is available and can help reduce the risk of developing shingles or experiencing severe complications. In the UK the shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It's available on the NHS for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system.

For more information on the shingles vaccine in the UK see: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/shing...

Content and timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
00:24 - What is shingles?
01:00 - Potential symptoms of shingles
01:56 - Diagnosis of shingles
02:21 - Treatment of shingles
03:41 - Prevention of shingles

*Website resources*

NHS UK information - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/

Mayo Clinic USA - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...

How to identify shingles on black and brown skin - https://www.healthline.com/health/ski...

Video made: July 2025
Next review: July 2028 `

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Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

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