“What is shingles? What is night burn?” The answers to these questions can be answered by saying that the Varicella Zoster virus, which is the source of chickenpox in childhood, emerges as a secondary disease in older ages. The risk of this viral infection, which affects both nerves and skin, is high for anyone who has had chickenpox in the past. This disease, which appears as severe rashes, is viral and contagious. It can occur at any point on the body, but in most cases it surrounds the left or right side of the body as a single band of blisters.

What are the causes of Shingles (Night Burn) Disease?

The causes of night burn shingles, also called shingles, are caused by the Varicella zoster virus. It is possible for almost every individual who had chickenpox in childhood to experience shingles. It is unclear why shingles develops in some people but not in others. However, the condition is more common in people aged 50 and over due to lower immunity to infections. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus that enters the nervous system can remain inactive for years in some cases. Years later, it can actively progress to the skin nerve pathways again. However, this does not apply to everyone who has had chickenpox. Although the causes of shingles are unclear, it is thought to be caused by decreased immunity to infections as we age.

Common causes of shingles are:

A weakened immune system
emotional stress
Aging
Having cancer treatment or major surgery
What are the Symptoms of Shingles (Night Burn)?

Symptoms of shingles are generally related to the severity and duration of the disease and the health status of the patient. Therefore, it differs for each patient. This disease first manifests itself with pain radiating to the nerve pathways in one half of the body. Then, the nerve endings appear as vesicles filled with internal water, causing pain and a skin rash like a burn. Burning sensation and itching are also experienced in these rashes. For this reason, it is popularly called night burn. The symptoms of this disease can be classified regionally as follows:

Symptoms of shingles affecting one part of the body:

Pain and red rash that begins days after the pain
Burning sensation or numbness accompanying pain
Hypersensitivity to touch
Fluid-filled blisters that crust over
Headache
itching of blisters
High fever
sensitivity to light
Weakness

Symptoms of shingles affecting the face:

“Where does shingles occur?” In case you’re wondering, the onset of shingles usually occurs on one side of the back or chest, but it can also appear on one side of the face. If the rash is near or in the ear area, it may cause an infection that can lead to:

Hearing loss
Weakness in facial muscles

Symptoms of shingles in the mouth:

Shingles inside your mouth can be very painful. Eating may be difficult and this may affect your sense of taste.

Symptoms of shingles on the scalp:

The shingles rash on your scalp can cause sensitivity when combing your hair.

Eye symptoms of shingles:

For some people, shingles occurs in and around the eye. In this case, a blistering rash may appear on your eyelids, forehead, and sometimes on the tip or side of your nose. Symptoms of this condition:

Burning or throbbing in your eye
Redness and tearing
Swelling
blurred vision
How to Diagnose Shingles (Night Burn)?

When you consult a doctor with complaints of shingles symptoms, the doctor performs a physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor learns the patient’s medical history in full detail and asks the patient “What causes shingles?” finds the answer to the question. This disease is usually diagnosed by pain, rash, and blisters on a part of the body. In some cases, diagnosis is made by taking a tissue sample or blister culture. This diagnostic method is called the Tzank test. Pain alone is not enough to make the diagnosis. Because these pains seen in the first stage may also be caused by other reasons. For a full diagnosis to be made, a skin rash must be present.

How is Shingles (Night Burn) Treated?

Early diagnosis is important for shingles treatment. The diagnosis should be made within the first 72 hours after the rash becomes apparent. During the treatment process, vitamin B complexes, painkillers, and local wound care creams are prescribed. A balanced diet and rest are also recommended. This disease usually lasts for 2 to 6 weeks. It will pass on its own at the end of this period. This disease, which generally occurs once, can occur more than once if the virus does not leave the body.

Is Shingles (Night Burn) Contagious?

Shingles is a contagious disease with symptoms. The contagion of this disease, also known colloquially as night burn, does not involve direct transmission of the disease to another person. Transmission occurs through contact with the skin lesions of a person infected with the virus or by airborne transmission of the virus from that person.