Homecare: Herpes zoster (shingles) is a painful condition that affects the nerves in the skin and nervous system.
It is caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, and is most common in people over the age of 50. Shingles is typically treated with antiviral medications, but seniors who have shingles have reported that home care services can help them recover faster.
Shingles is known to have a high incidence among seniors. The reason for this is because the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When someone has had chickenpox, the virus is dormant in their nerve roots. As we age, our immune system weakens and it can no longer control the virus. The virus, therefore, becomes active.
The Pain of Shingles
One of the most common symptoms of shingles is pain. The characteristic band of blisters that make the condition easy to diagnose has the potential to cause skin lesions that are extremely painful. These lesions can range from mild discomfort to a burning sensation that is so severe that it interferes with the person’s ability to function.
Since shingles is caused by a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, it can be incredibly painful. Chickenpox is a childhood disease that is relatively harmless. The pain associated with shingles is caused by the fact that the virus has traveled from the nerves in the spine to the skin. This means that the pain and discomfort caused by shingles can be much more severe than that associated with chickenpox.
Symptoms of Shingles
A shingles rash appears as fluid-filled blisters. These blisters may be accompanied by pain, itching, and tingling. The rash may be found on one side of your face, chest, back, or abdomen. The rash may also occur on the eye, mouth, or genitals. The rash may be itchy, painful, or cause a burning sensation.
Shingles can cause fever, chills, fatigue, and swollen glands. These symptoms can last for a few days after the rash appears.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of shingles. PHN causes long-lasting nerve pain along the area of the skin that was affected by shingles. The pain of PHN can be severe and can interfere with your ability to function.
The most common areas that are affected by PHN are the face, chest, back, or abdomen.
Approximately 10 to 18% of people who have shingles experience PHN, and the risk of PHN increases with age. The pain of PHN can last from a few months to several years.
How Home Care Can Help
Pain and discomfort can make it difficult for seniors with shingles to get the rest they need. Home care can help seniors with shingles by providing them with the services they need to get better. Home care includes personal assistance services such as meal preparation and housekeeping and transportation and care, which can help people with shingles and address their pain and discomfort.
Homecare: Shingles Conclusion
Home care can assistant your senior that is experiencing shingles and help them during this difficult time in their lives. We provide the best care to your senior! Give us a call today!
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Homecare in Southfield MI, please contact the caring staff at Crystal Home Health Care today. 313-493-4900
Sources
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/shingles-herpes-zoster
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/ss/slideshow-shingles-pictures
