Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. This viral infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. After a patient’s chickenpox clears—typically in childhood—the virus climbs up the nerves to the spinal cord, where it hibernates. If the virus reactivates or wakes up, the result is shingles, manifesting as a potentially painful, blistering rash. When it comes to shingles, New Jersey’s Skin & Laser Center of NJ explains that the infection is most common in older adults. Those at greatest risk of getting shingles include anyone who has had chickenpox, adults over the age of 50, people who are ill or injured, anyone under great stress, or patients with a weakened immune system.
The first symptom of shingles is burning, itching, or tingling on one side of the body, usually in one location. After this, a rash can develop in the same area, appearing as redness and groups of clear blisters, which then crust over and scab. These lesions can last two to three weeks. After the rash resolves, it can leave residual pain in the area for many months; this is called post herpetic neuralgia.
In late 2016 she founded the Skin & Laser Center of NJ, LLC in Mahwah, NJ where she continues to treat her medical and cosmetic patients, and further pursues her interest in laser medicine. Dr. Lieb’s mission is to provide high quality dermatologic care using up-to-date medical information and cutting edge technology in an efficiently run practice. Dr. Lieb is board certified in dermatology, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the New Jersey Dermatologic Society. Dr. Lieb is a Staff Dermatologist at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.
Shingles treatment at Skin & Laser Center of NJ begins with a formal diagnosis. To diagnose shingles, your provider will request your detailed medical history and examine the affected skin. If there is any doubt, we may scrape a blister to get a sample. The sample will be examined under a microscope. We may also send the fluid from a blister to a laboratory for testing.
Without treatment, the rash caused by shingles clears within a few weeks. However, we strongly recommend seeking treatment. Without medical intervention, patients may experience pain, numbness, itching, and tingling that can last for months or even years. Treatment options include pain relievers, oral antiviral medications that can decrease the duration of the rash and the pain, and oral steroids to lower swelling and improve the long-term pain.
Treatments for pain after the rash clears (post-herpetic neuralgia) include specific antidepressant medications, pain relievers, and anesthetic creams and patches.
If the virus is near or in your eye it will be suggested that you go to the hospital for intravenous treatment to prevent long term complications related to the eye infection. It’s important to note that antiviral medicine is most effective when started within three days of seeing the rash, so seeking treatment right away is recommended in order to get started as soon as possible.
Skin & Laser Center of NJ in Ramsey provides a wide range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic services for patients in and around New Jersey. Patients can get diagnosis and treatment for acne, skin cancer (with Mohs surgery), chronic conditions (like psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema), moles, melasma, vitiligo, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, scabies, contact dermatitis, and more. Cosmetic options include wrinkle-relaxing BOTOX® and Dysport®, dermal fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane®, Kybella® for reducing a double chin, chemical peels, Hydrafacial MD, microneedling, laser hair removal, laser acne treatments, laser scar treatments, laser tattoo removal, CoolSculpting®, laser vein treatments, sclerotherapy, and more.
© 2024 Skin and Laser Center of NJ.
Medical Marketing & Website Design by MetaMed
