Shingles, medically known as herpes zoster, is a skin disease caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is a painful condition characterized by a rash and blisters on the skin.
What is shingles?
It occurs when the chickenpox virus (which has been dormant in the body) becomes active, causing a painful rash that usually appears as a band of blisters around the sides of the torso, but can appear elsewhere.
Shingles Symptoms
:
– Pain and burning days before the rash appears.
– Rash with fluid coming out of the affected area.
– Itching is common with the rash.
– Weakness, headache, and fever.
Shingles Causes:
Varicella zoster virus:The primary cause of shingles is the varicella virus, which can remain dormant in the body after the initial chickenpox infection.
Virus reactivation: As you age or your immunity declines, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles symptoms.
Age:People over 50 are more likely to get shingles because their immune system naturally weakens with age.
Immune system diseases: People with diseases that affect the immune system, such as AIDS or cancer, may be more susceptible to infection.
Risk factors and infections:
– It becomes dangerous if it affects sensitive areas such as the eye or ear, which may affect vision and hearing.
– The virus is transmitted through fluids from open blisters.
Treatment of shingles pain with radiofrequency technology:
Radiofrequency is a non-surgical treatment used to relieve pain when medications do not give the desired results:
– Radiofrequency technology relies on the use of radio waves to generate precise and directed heat that targets the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the area affected by shingles.
– A thin needle is inserted under local anesthesia and directed towards the targeted nerve using interventional radiology to ensure accuracy and safety.
– The heat emitted from the needle disrupts painful nerve signals, which significantly reduces or eliminates pain completely.
– This method is characterized by providing effective and safe treatment for pain without the need for surgical intervention, and it also allows the patient to return to his daily activities quickly.
– The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes, and the patient can leave the hospital on the same day. It is recommended to rest for some time after the procedure, but most patients can resume their normal activities after 24 hours.
– Many patients notice a significant improvement in pain levels after just one session, and the effectiveness may continue for several years, depending on the case.
Shingles is a disease that can be painful and annoying, but with proper treatment and early diagnosis, symptoms can be controlled and complications prevented. It is important to consult a doctor immediately if any signs or symptoms appear to get the appropriate treatment and relieve the pain.