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Shingles Explained—Fort Worth Dermatologist Gives Information
Shingles Explained—Fort Worth Dermatologist Gives Information
NorthStar Dermatology’s Dr. Aboutalebi explains what shingles is and how it can be treated
Keller,
TX,
United States of America
(sardnews.org)
21/08/2013
Shingles is a skin condition that often presents as a localized rash consisting of blisters and burning on the face or body. Those affected are usually over the age of 50, although it's not exclusive to that age group. People of all ages can be affected.
Shingles, known medically as Herpes Zoster, is caused by a reactivation of the chicken pox virus. Even after a child has recovered from chicken pox, the virus stays dormant in the spinal cord and can become reactivated as shingles later, according to board certified dermatologist Dr. Sina Aboutalebi.
Risk factors for getting shingles can include age (usually 50 years or older), an exceptional amount of stress, illness, and a compromised immune system.
Symptoms of shingles include pain or burning of the skin on one side of the face or the body—accompanied by a rash of grouped blisters or vesicles. Sometimes these blisters weep or crust. It is not common, but possible for people to have the pain and burning sans the rash, according to Dr. Aboutalebi.
Shingles is contagious and could cause chicken pox in someone who hasn't been vaccinated or has not had chicken pox. Because of the contagion factor it is important to avoid skin contact with others who have not been vaccinated or have not been exposed to the chicken pox virus in the past. Shingle, however, is not contagious to someone who has already been infected with chicken pox, nor does contact increase the risk of developing shingles in those individuals.
Usually the patient will recover within 2 to 3 weeks on their own, as shingles is self-limiting—meaning that it often just needs to 'run its course.' However, there is up to 15% incidence of patients (usually after the age of 50) who may develop "post-herpetic neuralgia," a painful burning of the skin that can continue on after improvement of the rash.
Although Shingles is a self limiting disease, early diagnosis and treatment can help to accelerate the healing process as well as minimize the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia. A dermatologist will treat shingles with antiviral medications which will help to suppress the virus, and medications to help control the pain and irritation of the nerves. Early detection and treatment is critical in reducing the risk and severity of post-herpetic neuralgia. If you think that you have shingles or any of the symptoms consistent with shingles, contact a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
Northstar Dermatology is experienced in treating patients with shingles. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Northstar Dermatology and Dr. Aboutalebi directly at 817-427-3376 or www.northstardermatology.com
About Dr. Aboutalebi
Dr. Sina Aboutalebi is a board-certified Dermatologist, specializing in medical and surgical dermatology. A native of the DFW Metroplex, Dr. Aboutalebi graduated cum laude with a degree in Biology from the University of Dallas in 1998. In 2001, he attended medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas where he was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and graduated with honors in 2005. Following medical school, Dr. Aboutalebi completed an internship in Internal Medicine and residency in Dermatology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Aboutalebi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD). His office can be reached at 817-427-3376 or www.northstardermatology.com.
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About North StarDermatology
Dr. Aboutalebi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD). His office can be reached at 817-427-3376 or www.northstardermatology.com
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