How Long is Shingles Contagious?

Shingles, also referred to as Herpes Zoster, is a disease of the skin, caused due to a virus called varicella-zoster. This virus is coincidentally also the one that causes chickenpox. It is indeed a painful skin disease that has the potential to infect individuals irrespective of age. It will be beneficial for you to know that one who has been afflicted with chickenpox can develop shingles in the later stages of life. Shingles is similar to the skin rash you tend to develop during chickenpox. The symptoms of shingles are headache, fever accompanied with shivers, and an upset stomach. The most irritating symptom is that shingles are itchy. These symptoms can remain for a fortnight or for a period of one month. To find answers to your questions concerning how far is shingles contagious and if it is, then for how long does it remain contagious, read the following sections of this article.

How Far is Shingles Contagious?
Well, this is one question that requires an elaborate explanation. As mentioned earlier, chickenpox and shingles, both are caused by the same virus. It is only when an individual has suffered from chickenpox that he has a high probability of getting infected with shingles. The virus lives on in the body after the individual has countered chickenpox. This virus never leaves our body and resides in the nerves. During situations such as encountering a stressful circumstance, suffering from AIDS, going through chemotherapy, or anyone who has cancer, the virus will reactivate itself, leading to shingles.

Thus, shingles is contagious when the infection spreads from one person to the other. This virus can grab all those children and adults who have never been afflicted with chickenpox too. However, in a very uncanny manner, the individual develops chickenpox, instead of Herpes Zoster. The people who counter chickenpox through virus spread also become susceptible to the disease. With shingles, you are contagious to all those who have never had chickenpox. When new blisters are forming and crusting over, the individual is at a risk of countering the infection, however, once this stops, the virus can no longer spread. This is the time when shingles is contagious, thereby defining the shingles contagious period.

Is Shingles Contagious to Infants?
I know you wonder and ask, 'Is shingles contagious to infants?'. The bad news is that kids, are indeed susceptible to shingles. Shingles is contagious to all those who have never countered chickenpox, as mentioned already. Also, if your query is regarding shingles being contagious to pregnant women as well, the answer is unfortunately, a definite yes. How long is shingles contagious in terms of infant infection? Well, it is only till the blisters form and crust, and stop completely from forming, one could declare that the infection is no more contagious.

After the question on how long is shingles contagious, we should now board on to the next question, and that is how far could you relax, when you or your loved one has contracted shingles. You cannot afford to neglect the fact that herpes zoster brings with it excruciating pain that refuses to leave you. It is always advisable to take a medical authority into consideration, as shingles, if neglected and not treated promptly, can lead to the development of a serious disease called chronic neuralgia. This is a much more painful disease to endure than herpes even. We might conclude that chronic neuralgia is an extension of herpes zoster - a counter cousin to spell havoc in the system all the more. The pain is so intense that it can make the person cry out for mercy. This pain is referred to as post-herpatic neuralgia or (PHN).

Treatment and Pain Management for Shingles
There is however no diagnostic examination that has to be conducted. It is only in a few cases that shingles may not show a characteristic appearance. In such cases, a sample or a tissue culture is plugged out for diagnoses. It is through these tests that virus is identified. Shingles, if left untreated, can lead to other serious conditions such as pneumonia, permanent loss of eyesight, and malfunction of certain organs of the body. If the treatment is started immediately after the diagnosis, shingles is not a fatal disease to endure. Antibiotics prescribed by the medical practitioner can help in controlling the infection from spreading, and analgesics can aid to fight the pain.

Shingles can be diagnosed by its painful and rash-like appearance. The region where shingles occur is prone to itching, in the form of clusters. To reduce the pain and itchy sensation, you may use calamine lotion to soothe the affected area. Preferably, apply the lotion right after bath, when your body is damp. It is during this time that your skin will absorb moisture and stay hydrated. It is also advised not to scratch the area, even when it becomes extremely itchy. Caress the area, don't get rough with it and start scratching it. Avoid outdoor tours that can expose your condition to strong light or harsh environment. Know that your skin is sensitive and must be cared for. You must keep the area covered if and when you have to step out of your dwelling. Also, if you administer a dry dressing with a roll of gauze and cotton, the rash may itch lesser, helping the healing time steeplechase.

After reading this article, you now know how long is shingles contagious. I sincerely hope that this article has answered your quandary on how far is herpes zoster contagious. Acquire an expert consult as soon as possible after you find some symptoms appearing and bothering you. A vaccination for all those who have never endured chickenpox can be a beneficial step.