Shingles is an acute inflammatory skin disease caused by varicella zoster virus infection. It itches when the affected area is exposed to heat. You may have skin blisters filled with water. Nerve pain is obvious. It often appears in waist and lower back. It is contagious. If it involves the upper half of you face, you need to see a doctor immediately because the virus may infect your eyes. Usually it will disappear in 3-5 weeks without any complications. Conventional treatment includes using antiviral drugs. After contracting shingles, patients generally receive lifelong immunity to the virus.
How is Shingles treated in practice?