Shingles come from the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox, then you can get shingles since the virus stays in the body. Most people who get this condition are older than 50 years of age. Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that can occur almost anywhere on the body. If you have started to notice symptoms of shingles, then come into Essential Dermatology to meet with Dr. Krathen. He can help to create a treatment plan for you to get rid of the symptoms.
What Causes Shingles?
In order to get shingles, you must have had chickenpox at some point in your life. Though shingles are much less contagious, people who encounter the virus who have not had it before or who have not had the vaccine can get chickenpox. Some people are at a higher risk of developing shingles if they are 50 years of age or older, under great stress, have a weakened immune system, or have had an illness or injury recently. It is unclear exactly what causes the virus to wake up in order to cause the shingles, but many researchers suggest that a weakness of the immune system is most likely to blame.
Symptoms of Shingles
- Rash
- Blisters
- Itching
- Burning
- Pain
- Flu-like symptoms
Treatments for Shingles
Shingles typically can clear on its own within a few weeks, but it can be uncomfortable and painful to deal with. Dr. Krathen offers different remedies to ease the symptoms. Most common treatments include pain relievers, anti-viral medications, and anti-itch creams. For more serious cases of Shingles, you may need injections of nerve-blockers to help with the pain. Dr. Krathen will create a treatment plan that works for you based on your symptoms and concerns. To manage this condition, Dr. Krathen can also give you some at-home remedial tips.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have shingles come into Essential Dermatology to get started on a treatment plan. Shingles can be a painful and embarrassing condition to deal with, the sooner you start the treatment the sooner the symptoms can subside, and you can get back to your life. Call our office today at (508) 827-2615 or request a consultation by filling out our online form. To book an appointment, schedule your visit as a new patient using our online scheduler or as an existing patient using the Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.
Meet Dr. Michael Krathen
Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with more than a decade of medical training and experience. A specialist in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, he uses expertise, collaboration, and compassion to help people of all ages discover their healthiest and most radiant skin.
Credentials You Can Trust
