People who are suffering from shingles symptoms may require assistance in finding the correct medical specialist. The symptoms and issues that a person is experiencing will usually determine which doctor is best for them.
Shingles is a painful condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus reactivating (VZV). The virus that causes chickenpox is the same one that causes this.
Shingles causes a blistering rash that lasts 7–10 days, with the majority of cases lasting 3–5 weeks.
Shingles risk increases with age, and some research suggests that nearly one in every three people in the United States will get shingles at some point in their lives.
There are a variety of shingles treatments available, including antiviral medicines and natural therapies. However, difficulties may arise in some circumstances, necessitating specialist treatment.
The many sorts of shingles specialists are discussed in this article.
Doctors
Doctors come in a variety of forms, with varying specialties and levels of education.
In many circumstances, shingles can be managed by a primary care physician, such as a family doctor. Some people with shingles, however, may develop complications that require more specialist care. When required, a primary care physician will typically recommend you to a specialist.
The following are some of the possible shingles complications:
- pneumonia
- postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
- hearing problems
- vision problems
- brain inflammation
Getting in touch with the correct shingles specialist can speed your recovery and lower the chance of long-term issues.
The sections below cover several sorts of doctors and how they can assist with shingles.
Medical Practitioners
Doctors of Medicine (MDs) have a typical medical degree and follow an allopathic treatment approach. An allopathic approach focuses on cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment, and it frequently employs drugs or surgery to treat and manage various ailments.
An examination by a doctor can be used to diagnose shingles. These professionals look for a variety of signs, including:
If a doctor suspects someone has shingles, they will order a VZV test. Drawing blood or swabbing a blister to acquire a fluid sample are examples of this test. When these tests reveal that you have VZV, the doctor can prescribe a treatment plan.
MDs can also provide a shingles vaccine to people over the age of 50. The Shingrix vaccine has a 90 percent success rate in preventing shingles and PHN.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a medical doctor who focuses on treating the whole person. A doctor of osteopathy emphasizes the importance of avoiding medical problems and sustaining long-term physical health.
People may seek DO condition because they want to focus on their entire health rather than treating a specific ailment. A DO may be chosen by shingles patients who require assistance with a variety of symptoms.
Myofascial release is a therapy that a doctor might recommend for someone with shingles. To rebalance tissues, this entails stretching and releasing different parts of the body.
Shingles can be painful because of the itchy rashes. In some circumstances, balancing tissue function thru myofascial release may bring relief.
A DO may also use:
- facilitated positional relief
- balanced ligamentous tension
- reciprocal inhibition
Shingles may cause havoc on your body, causing pain and agony all throughout. By restoring tissue balance and connectivity, a skilled DO may be able to improve a person’s comfort.
Dermatologists
A dermatologist is a physician who focuses on the skin, hair, and nails. Over 3,000 conditions can be diagnosed and treated by them.
They can help with a variety of ailments, including:
- skin cancer
- psoriasis
- eczema
- hair loss
Shingles is characterized by painful rashes that can appear on many body parts. Dermatologists are trained to treat a wide range of skin conditions, so they may be able to offer helpful advice and relief to people suffering from shingles pain.
Neurologists
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in brain and nervous system disorders. They can, for example, treat epilepsy, brain tumors, neuromuscular disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease.
PHN is a common shingles neurological consequence. Chronic pain is caused by this condition, which damages the nerve system.
PHN is thought to affect 10–18% of people who have shingles, according to researchers. It can linger for months or even years in some circumstances.
The following are some PHN treatments:
- antidepressants
- topical capsaicin
- anticonvulsants
- topical lidocaine
A neurologist should be seen if shingles causes a neurological problem. They can assist in determining the problem and making therapy recommendations.
Ophthalmologists
An ophthalmologist is a sort of eye specialist that specializes in eye and vision problems. They can help with everything from prescription glasses to eye surgery.
The eye is affected in 10–20 percent of shingles cases. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is the name for this form of shingles (HZO).
HZO people may have the following symptoms:
- fever
- eye inflammation
- tingling in the forehead
- severe pain in the nerves of the eyes
Exams and testing can be performed by ophthalmologists to determine the presence of HZO. Antiviral drugs will be given to the majority of people who have HZO.
Anyone having shingles symptoms should seek quick medical attention, regardless of which sort of shingles expert they choose. Treatment as soon as possible can help to lower the likelihood of acquiring uncomfortable disorders like PHN.
People with shingles can lessen or avoid serious problems by paying attention to their symptoms and seeking treatment as soon as possible.
When to contact a doctor
Anyone who sees shingles-like symptoms should see a doctor as soon as feasible. These signs and symptoms could include:
- upset stomach
- headache, chills, or fever
- a blistering rash on one side of the body, often on the face, torso, or neck
- tingling, pain, or itching
Treatment options
The best treatment for shingles is determined by the individual and the conditions.
The following are some of the most prevalent shingles treatments:
- corticosteroids
- tricyclic antidepressants
- antiviral drugs
- topical creams
- analgesics
Shingles specialists concentrate on decreasing pain, preventing complications, and hastening the recovery process. Each case of shingles is distinct and necessitates individualized treatment.
Complications may necessitate a consultation with a specialist to assist manage symptoms.
Conclusion
Shingles is an uncomfortable condition that can cause a variety of symptoms in different people. Complications may arise in some circumstances, necessitating the assistance of a specialist.
The best doctor for shingles will most likely be determined by the person’s symptoms. Seeing a doctor as soon as you notice shingles symptoms can help you feel better and lessen the chance of long-term complications.
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