Shingles is a skin rash that is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), the very same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person gets over the initial outbreak of chickenpox, this virus lives in the nervous system, never fully leaving the body. When certain situations, such as stress, or the onset of immunodeficiency disorders develop, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles. More commonly however, the actual cause for the reactivation of the virus is never found. Anyone who has ever had chickenpox is at risk or developing shingles.

What are the symptoms of Shingles?

The initial onset of shingles can display as an extreme sensitivity or burning sensation on the skin in the affected area. It can include itching, tingling, burning, constant aching, or deep, shooting pain. Within a few days, a rash develops. It will usually present itself as a band that follows the route of a nerve under the skin. The Shingles rash itself looks like small red spots and reddened skin in the same area that eventually turn into small blisters. The blisters dry up after a few days, forming scabs that leave a small pockmark in the skin when they fall off.

Shingles is considered to be an intensely painful condition because the virus affects the nerves. The pain may even linger and continue long after the rash has cleared up. This pain could go on for weeks, months or even years. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia and is more likely to occur in older people and those who had a severe outbreak from the rash.

What causes Shingles?

Although the reasons are not fully understood, any weakening of the body's immune system can cause the Varicella zoster virus to "reawaken" and appear in adulthood as shingles. Conditions that may weaken the systems include aging, HIV/AIDS, colds, cancer, organ transplants, long term courses of steroids, various medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, stress or excessive alcohol intake.

It is important to note that shingles is not a new infection; it is a second outbreak of the chicken pox virus. For whatever reasons, the herpes zoster virus wakes up from the dormant state and grows. Once active, the germs travel along the nerve paths to the skin, and the result is the aching rash of shingles.

Will Painwave X4000 Help with Shingles?

Definitely! The Painwave X4000 is revolutionary, non-invasive, drug-free method of pain relief for the treatment of shingles. What is most amazing about the device is that the Painwave X4000 works in concert with the body's own bioelectromagnetic ecosystem. The astounding Painwave X4000 has no side effects, and is utilized by moving the unit gently over the surface of the skin in a small circular motion. After a short period of time, the Painwave X4000 stimulates improved circulation, cell activity and lymphatic movements, all of which are beneficial in the relief of pain and other discomforts. In many cases, this stimulation will greatly reduce or eliminate pain for good.

Note: The medical info on this page should not be used to treat or diagnose a disease. If you have any questions regarding Shingles, contact your primary care physicians for full evaluations.