Shingles

Description
Shingles or called as herpes zoster. Herpes zosteris a contagious type of disease
that involves the peripheral nervous system as caused by reactivation of the
varicella-zoster virus. This disease is characterized with blisters which as very
painful. The immunosuppressed or had previous exposure with chicken pox can
experience this.

The virus action can travel to spinal and cranial sensory ganglia and the posterior
gray matter of the spinal cord. Upon contact with the blisters, the person who did
not experience chicken pox will develop chicken pox instead of shingles.
People can be diagnosed with shingles after careful physical assessment.
Laboratory studies may also reveal an increase in white blood cells as the body tries
to combat this viral infection.
Clinical manifestations

Neurologic pain described as painful, tingling or burning sensation

Body weakness

Burning sensation of the blister sites

Febrile episodes

Skin vesicles along the peripheral sensory nerves, the blisters actually outline
the nerves

Classic location: along the trunk, thorax or face

Lack of appetite

Lymphadenopathy

Joint pains

Chills

Patient profile

Previous exposure with chicken pox

Commonly appeared on age group of older than 60 years old

Those whose immune system is weakened due to underlying illness or

medications
Medical Management

Admission to an isolation room is advised.


Pharmacologic intervention involves the following: analgesics, corticosteroids,
acetic acid or white petrolatum and antiviral agents such as Acyclovir, famciclovir
and valacyclovir.

Cold baths and lotions must be started.

Pregnant women should not go near the person with shingles as it may be
infectious.

Give antihistamines in order to prevent itching.

Nursing Management

Monitor the vital signs.

Observe proper measures in containing the infectious agent.

Observe proper personal protective gear as well as routine hand washing

before and after the procedures.

Encourage complete compliance with the medications being ordered.

Teach the patient as well as the folks about proper disposal of materials
which are in contact with the patient.

Listen to the ideas and perception of the patient about being isolated, the
prognosis as well as recovery from the present status.

Teach the patient about the possibility of having post herpetic neuralgia or
pain on the sites of shingleswhich may be present for months or even years. Proper
medications can be given in order to lessen the pain.