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Find relief with shingles treatment at Cumberland Skin.
What is Shingles?
Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is a viral infection that causes a very painful rash on the skin. Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When a person has previously had chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus stays dormant (inactive) in their body and can reactivate later, causing shingles.
Shingles can show up anywhere on the body, but will typically only appear on one side of the face or body. Furthermore, the condition can occur in the same person more than once, especially if they have several risk factors, but this is uncommon.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) FAQs
Are you interested in learning more about shingles? Read our FAQs section to better understand this common condition. Our board-certified dermatologists discuss frequently asked questions and concerns, including what causes shingles, how long it lasts, and how we treat shingles at Cumberland Skin in Lebanon, Hermitage, and Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Generally, shingles is not contagious. However, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes it can be spread to a person who hasn’t had chickenpox and cause a viral infection. This virus is especially contagious during the blisters phase of shingles.
In many cases, the first sign of shingles is a burning or stinging sensation around the waist, chest, stomach, or back. You may also experience itchiness or extreme sensitivity to even the slightest touch.
Within about five days of experiencing the first signs of shingles, you may begin to see a red rash in that area. Small groups of oozing, fluid-filled blisters may appear a few days later in the same area.
Other signs and symptoms of shingles include:
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, we urge you to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for a professional skin evaluation and diagnosis.
The severity of shingles is unique to each individual. For some, the symptoms may be mild, like slight itching. For others, shingles may be an incredibly painful experience where the slightest touch triggers intense pain and discomfort.
If you are suffering from symptoms of shingles, we recommend you make an appointment with a dermatologist for treatment options.
Most cases of shingles clear up within three to five weeks. A shingles rash typically appears after one to five days once symptoms begin. It initially looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters. These blisters typically scab over in seven to ten days and clear up within two to four weeks.
While shingles can occur in anyone who has chickenpox, there are certain risk factors that increase the chances of getting this uncomfortable skin condition. These risk factors include:
While there is no cure for shingles, certain treatments can help alleviate symptoms and speed up your recovery.
At Cumberland Skin, our board-certified dermatologists generally prescribe pain relievers to help lessen some of the pain and discomfort. Additionally, you may be prescribed antiviral drugs that may improve some of the symptoms and reduce nerve damage.
For more information on how we treat shingles, please reach out to one of our clinics. We have locations in Lebanon, Hermitage, and Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Photos
It can be hard to determine if you have shingles. View our herpes zoster/shingles photo gallery below to better understand how this common skin condition shows up on the body. And if you need a more comprehensive skin evaluation, visit a board-certified dermatologist for a professional shingles diagnosis.
Find Effective Shingles Treatment in Middle Tennessee
Shingles is often an incredibly painful skin condition but with effective shingles treatment at Cumberland Skin, you can find relief. Our board-certified providers are experienced in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a variety of skin conditions and concerns, including shingles. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Schedule your shingles treatment at Cumberland Skin by requesting an appointment online or by calling (615) 449-5771 for our Lebanon clinic, (615) 964-5941 for our Hermitage clinic, and (615) 824-7491 for our Hendersonville clinic.
Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 615-449-5771.