Facts About Shingles – Dr. Charles Buzzanell (Ask the Doctor)
By Dr Charles Buzzanell (aka Dr Buzzanell) MD of Blue Ridge Pain Management & Palliative Care, P.A. Asheville, NC
Mary Ann, a 72-year-old woman experienced shingles under her breast causing so much sensitivity to touch that she could not tolerate wearing a bra or have loose clothing touch the skin. The blistered rash resolved in a week but the pain continued for several months and she still reports unexpected bouts of the pain. Her friend Suzanne had an easier course only feeling sick for several days. In a few weeks her life was normal.
What is shingles?
Chickenpox is a childhood illness in which causes itchy red spots that goes away and most people assume the battle is won. For healthy children the illness is self-limited and full recovery occurs. In adults and immune compromised children, chickenpox may be more serious. The fact is the virus has not been destroyed but lays dormant in small nerve clusters ready to erupt later in life. Shingles is the second manifestation of chickenpox that people have experienced in childhood. Unlike chickenpox, the rash in shingles is not generalized and pain is more of an issue than itching.