About

SYMPTOMS OF HERPES SHINGLES (करात)

Herpes Shingles (करात), is a viral disease recognised since ancient times, and is widespread across the world. It is estimated that about 1/3rd of people develop Herpes shingles at some point in their life. It is quite unlikely to have a repeat attack of Herpes, but the after effects may be severe Nerve pain. It is primarily caused due to Low Immunity in the body, which develops either as we grow older, or also due to poor eating/ lifestyle habits.

The known reason for Herpes at a later age, is associated with Chickenpox at a young age. Once we get treated of Chickenpox, the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) stays inactive in our nerve cells near our Spinal Cord. During the lifetime whenever the immunity is weak, it reactivates, and travels from the nerves to the endings in the skin, producing blisters in the form of patch/strip at a particular spot.

Despite the advancements in Medical science, there is no medication/ vaccination available to cure Herpes. However, a doctor may prescribe an Antiviral medication, Steroids and mostly Pain Killers, the treatment focuses on getting rid of sores and limiting outbreaks. The creams can only help manage tingling, itching, and pain. All this can provide a cosmetic relief, and most patients continue to complain of Postherpetic Neuralgia, i.e. acute pain in their nerves.

Get In Touch

Symptoms :

Painful Red Skin Rash with Blisters (फफोले) in a localized area. These become cloudy or darkened as they fill with fluid.
Typically the rash occurs in a single, wide stripe either on the left or right side of the body or face.
Two to four days before the rash occurs there may be tingling or local pain in the area.
Some people develop ongoing Nerve Pain which can last for months or years, a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)

Affected Body Part : It can occur on any body part, including face, chest, hand, legs, abdominal area, eyes, etc.

Age : All age groups. Generally the chances are higher when you start to age, and immunity goes weaker. Shingles in children is often painless, but as we age the disease tends to be more severe



Diagnosis :

  1. Herpes Shingles can be best confirmed only by visual examination, once the blisters/ rashes have occured as explained above.
  2. Lab tests like HSV testing may be prescribed by doctors,

Considering the easy identification of symptoms by visual examination, Lab tests may not be required.