Year in, year out, tens of thousands across the United Kingdom are struck by shingles - a painful infection which has recently kept ITV presenter Holly Willoughby off the air.
But what exactly is the nasty viral infection, and what can be done to treat it?
In simple terms, shingles is a virus which causes painful rashes to break out on a person's body - but usually affects the chest and torso in general.
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The Mirror reports that the blotchy rash appears on the skin's surface, generally wrapping around the left or right side of your torso. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus - the very same virus known to cause chickenpox in children, says the NHS.
In Layman's terms, it's the reactivation of chickenpox, which many of us catch in our childhood or adolescence - but the virus usually stays dormant before breaking out as shingles. The Shingles Support Society (SSS) say that this can happen at any point in our lives, but it usually happens as we get older.
The red patches are usually the first sign of the virus coming out, but there can also often be itching, tingling or burning under the skin, as well as pain around the area and 'fluid-filled' blisters which burst and turn into sores before drying out.
In some cases, shingles and the rashes they bring can take up to five weeks to heal completely - and people are urged to call 111 as soon as they suspect it, as medication is needed to treat it.
How can I treat it at home?
For treating shingles at home, the NHS website advises taking paracetamol, keeping the rash clean and dry, wearing loose-fitting clothing and using a cool compress a few times a day. It warns against letting dressings or plasters stick to the rash or using antibiotic cream.
The health service also urges those infected to stay away from certain groups of people to avoid spreading chickenpox, including pregnant people who have not had chickenpox before, people with a weakened immune system and babies less than a month old.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
The symptoms can vary from person to person, but typically include:
- Rash: Shingles often presents as a rash that appears as a band or strip of red, blistered skin, usually on one side of the body or face. The rash can be painful and it may itch.
- Pain: Pain is a common symptom of shingles and can be severe. The feeling can be described as burning, tingling, or shooting and may be localised to the area where the rash appears.
- Sensitivity to touch: The skin affected by the shingles rash may be sensitive to touch, and even light touch or pressure can cause pain.
- Blistering: The rash may develop into fluid-filled blisters that can break open and crust over. The blisters are usually limited to the area where the rash appears and do not cross the midline of the body.
- Itching: Some people with shingles may experience itching or tingling before the rash appears.
- Flu-like symptoms: In some cases, people with shingles may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and chills.
- Nerve-related symptoms: Shingles can affect the nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the area where the rash appears.
It's crucially important to note that shingles can be a painful and uncomfortable condition. If you believe you have it, be sure to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Early intervention can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
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