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Scars caused due to Chicken Pox

The word Shingles comes from the French or Latin for 'girdle' and is essentially caused by the chicken pox virus that never really leaves the body. The virus itself is known as the Herpes Zoster virus or the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It re-activates in the body after a number of years of dormancy. Shingles occurs as a painful rash caused by the virus entering skin after progressing through the sensory nerves. The rash normally manifests itself on one half of the body which stands for a dermatome which is a region that is supplied by one sensory nerve.

People who have had chicken pox earlier are likely to suffer from Shingles. Aged people and those who have suffered from Cancer or HIV, having a lower immunity are more prone to be affected by Shingles. There are no specific causes for the re-activation of the virus, however anxiety or tiredness have known to be primary factors. It may be also caused by the low immunity of an individual, sometimes related to diseases such as Cancer.

The symptoms associated with Shingles are dependent on the actual nerves being affected by the virus.  The earliest signs are increased sensitivity or discomfort in a wide strip in one part of the body.  The person may feel constant irritation, prickling, tickling or sharp pain in the affected region. Normally, about three days after the onset of pain, an inflammation with reddish sores and swelling can be noticed covering the same area as the pain. By the twelfth day these sores are filled with pus and then develop into scabs. In about three weeks, the scabs fall off leaving scars in its place.

When affected with Shingles it is imperative not to rub the irritated area as this can result in additional infection. Cold water compresses can be applied over the sores for 20-30 minutes on and off through the day. This helps alleviates the discomfort and also dries the sores. Once the sores have dried the compresses should be stopped .The affected area should be kept clean at all times by using water and soap.

Shingles requires immediate medical attention especially if it is accompanied by sores around the eyes or nose as it can spread to the eyes which may cause harm to the eye or loss of vision. Another reason for seeking early medical help is if the person is suffering from low immunity which may result in additional infections.