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Shingles (Acute Herpes Zoster)
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After chicken pox subsides and the related blisters have healed, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells next to your spinal cord.
Under certain conditions, usually related to aging or disease, the virus can reactivate and will initially cause a dull burning or tingling sensation over an area of skin. A painful rash can develop two to five days after the first symptoms appear. Unlike chicken pox, shingles generally erupts in a band (dermatome) on one side of the body, rather than all over.
A cluster of small bumps (1) turns into blisters (2) that resemble chicken pox lesions. The blisters fill with pus, break open (3), crust over (4), and finally disappear. This process takes four to five weeks. In more extreme cases, the disease can also lead to nerve damage (5).
A painful condition called postherpetic neuralgia can also develop and last from weeks to years after the rash disappears.
Shingles can result in severe pain. In such cases, a nerve block may be ordered to ease the discomfort.
We Can Help
The physicians at the Northwest Surgical Specialists Pain Management Center are experts at diagnosing the need for and delivering soothing pain medicine exactly where it will result in maximum relief.
If you or a loved one is suffering the painful effects of chronic pain, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Surgical Care Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
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431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
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Foot & Ankle Care