If you are suffering from a painful rash that looks like a band or strip of blisters on one side of your body and wraps around the other, or even on your neck, nose or forehead, you may be suffering from shingles. Dr. Steve Musick, and his team of highly skilled dermatology professionals are here to help you.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. After you have recovered from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your spinal cord until it re-activates with itching and pain along a single nerve pathway.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster usually occurs in older adults (over 50 years of age). According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 1 out of every 3 people in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime. There are over 1,000,000 known cases of shingles each year in the U.S. Even after you have recovered from shingles, you may still experience pain or sensitivity of the skin where the shingles occured.
What are the Symptoms of Shingles?
- Painful itching bumps around the torso
- Localized skin rashes with tingling or localized pain
- Localized itching several days prior to the actual outbreak
Precautions Of Shingles
Shingles is contagious and is harmful to the developing fetus in pregnancy. There is also a vaccine available (Zostrix). We will be more than happy to explain the possibilities of receiving this vaccine.
Diagnosis & treatment for shingles
Dr. Steve Musick can immediately diagnose your condition for shingles and prescribe a medication to assist in the reduction of your discomfort. This may include an anti-viral medication such as acyclovir, famcyclovir, or valacyclovir.
To prevent further spreading of shingles, you should avoid contact with other people while the lesions are in the blistering phase. According to the Center for Disease Control, shingles is not infectious before the blister appears nor once the rash has developed crusts.
Patient Testimonials
"We have been patients of Dr. Musick for many years. His knowledge takes care of anything of issue and his bedside manner is the best. Recommend Dr. Musick without any hesitation..."
"Dr. Musick is an excellent dermatologist and has a light hand for all the cosmetic work you need. He really cares about his patients total well being."
"From the time I walked in until the time I checked out they provided service above and beyond! Each staff member provided the most friendly service as well! So glad i choice musick, and I fully trust them with my care!"
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Dr. Steve Musick is a Board-Certified Dermatologist by The American Board of Dermatology and treats all types of skin conditions in the Swansea, IL and St. Louis metropolitan area. There are numerous treatments that Dr. Musick and his team can perform, and it is best to make an appointment for proper evaluation of any skin condition.
To make an appointment, call Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa in Swansea, IL today at 618-628-2588 . We accept most health insurance programs.