Shingles is a condition caused by the reactivation of the herpes zoster or varicella zoster virus. When a person suffers from chicken pox the virus responsible for this condition tends to remain within the body in dormant or latent condition. With time if the immunity of a person having this virus becomes weakened then the virus is awakened and it results in shingles and the associated shingles pain.

A person suffering from diseases like HIV or cancer may have a weakened immune system. Such a person having this virus may get shingles. Likewise stress or treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can cause the immunity to become weak and thereby result in reactivation of this virus. Before the eruption of rash a person may experience shingles pain in the site of the rash along with increased sensitivity of skin.

The shingles rash tends to affect small areas of the skin and the rash usually has a belt like or band like appearance. Headache or upset stomach along with flu like symptoms tends to accompany the eruption of the rash. The rash tends to start off with small bumps that eventually fill with fluid. With time the blisters pop crust over and then heal. The shingles pain tends to be quite intense and disconcerting.

Shingles tends to affect individuals more than 50 years of age. In some cases shingles pain may be experienced even after the disappearance of the rash. If the trigeminal nerve is involved or affected prolonged pain may be experienced. In some cases the pain may be experienced even in the absence of rash and this is called zoster sine. When the rash is absent such a pain in the back and chest may be mistaken to be lung infection or heart attack.

Normally shingles pain tends to ease out once the rash fades and it takes around four weeks for the rash to completely heal. Any individual who has had chicken pox may develop shingles. The areas that may be affected by the shingles rash include the trunk, face, neck, thigh and head. The pain in this condition is often felt on one side or from the front towards the back.

If the shingles pain is experienced in the facial regions like nose or eyes it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention. Where the infection affects the eyes medication should be taken otherwise it can result in loss of vision. The shingles rash is quite painful to touch. Cool compresses can be used to get some relief from the pain associated with this condition.

Relief from shingles pain can also be attained through application of calamine lotion. Aluminum acetate can also be used. Antiviral medication is prescribed to reduce the severity of the infection as well as its duration. The antiviral medication prescribed includes famciclovir, valacyclovir and acyclovir. Acyclovir is particular can help in reducing inflammation along with the pain that is associated with an acute attack.

Famciclovir can help in reducing shingles pain and can ensure that recovery occurs quickly. This is because this drug stops the virus from multiplying. Valacyclovir can help in resolving pain rapidly and can be used to treat acute shingles attack. In some cases the pain associated with this condition can persist even after a month after the rash heals. This is called postherpetic neuralgia and needs to be treated with specific antibiotics.