Symptoms and Treatments for Shingles

Published on: 19 January 2019 Last Updated on: 09 August 2019

There are many painful illnesses that are not life-threatening in particular, and shingles are one of such illnesses. If you have ever had the chickenpox, even when you were a child, then you are at some risk of experiencing the discomfort of shingles. Shingle is an infection of the skin that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

What Causes Shingles?

The varicella-zoster virus can remain dormant in a person’s body for years after they have had the chicken pox. The virus attaches itself to the nerve tissues that are located close to your brain and spinal cord. However, not everyone who has once had chicken pox will get shingles.

Although the reasons for the reactivation of this virus is not quite clear, it seems to have to do with a less effective immune system. Research has shown that most older adults who have weaker immune systems tend to get shingles. While some of them might have other health conditions that weaken their immune systems, the general weakening of the immune system as we get older seems to be the primary reason.

Symptoms of Shingles:

The most noticeable symptom of having shingles is a painful rash on the body. This rash is often limited to one small section of the body. Usually, it manifests as a rash that wraps around either the right or left side of the trunk or torso.

Most people find out they have shingles when they visit a dermatologist to find out why they have developed a rash. The rash itself might cause pain, itching, burning or a combination of all three. Sometimes the sensations can become very intense and hard to ignore. The rashes are often sensitive to the touch and produce puss-filled blisters that crack open. When these cracked blisters dry, the skin turns crusty.

Other symptoms of shingles might include a fever, tiredness, headaches and a sensitivity to bright light. Some people might experience an upset stomach and nausea as well.

Treatments for Shingles:

The only way to prevent shingles is with a vaccine, the same kinds that are used to prevent the chickenpox. The most popular and most used are Shingrix and Zostavax. While both of them have been effective, there are a few reasons to be wary of Zostavax. There have been many reports that Zostavax can actually cause chickenpox and shingles in many people, including children. There have also been published warning that this vaccine causes keratitis or inflammation of the cornea.

Antiviral medications are used to slow down the development of the shingles rash. However, it’s important to take these antiviral medications no more than about 72 hours after first experiencing symptoms. This is why a quick diagnosis is imperative. This means telling your doctor about any symptoms as soon as possible.

The pain and inflammation caused by shingles can be managed by over-the-counter pain medications like Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and Naproxen. However, if the pain and discomfort are too extreme, your doctor might prescribe pain medications that are more powerful.

Sometimes, numbing medications like Lidocaine might be suggested by a doctor. Other times, Capsaicin cream might be used to reduce irritation and inflammation. It’s important to tell your doctor about any former skin conditions or serious illnesses you have had in the past. This can give your doctor a better idea of what kinds of medications and treatments will suit you best.

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The Effect of Climate Change on Human Health

Climate change has always been a prime topic of discussion all over the world. The world we are living in impacts our life in many ways. Yet, we never give much thought to the changing patterns of its climate and natural habitat. Most people think climate change is all about earth suffering from the advancement of technology and people. But in reality, climate change is real, impacting our lives that vary by age, gender, nation, and socioeconomic status. The extreme rains are causing an increase in sea levels and warming temperatures. The greenhouse effect has an everlasting impact on human health. Not just that, but climate change is sweeping rapidly across the globe. This change is significantly impacting the earth's ecosystem and disturbing human health. It is no wonder why United Nations continuously stressing over climate change endangering the food we consume, the air we breathe, and the interactions with nature. Moreover, the severity of these impacts depends on a variety of factors. Apart from the gender and socioeconomics determinants, access to public health and addressing the safety systems are top factors. For that, there is a dire need for both climate change solutions and reframing it as public health issues for the most vulnerable ones. Professionals are already encouraging the aspirants to advance and pursue public health programs to tackle climate change. However, many individuals never consider advancing their skills by earning a professional degree program because of priorities for full-time work. Fortunately, the dawn of online education is solving this concern and enabling the aspirants to grow in their careers by earning professional and accredited online programs. Aspirants can opt for MPH programs online by setting their schedules within the comfort of home. This way, public health professionals can respond to climate change by reducing the uncertainty, risk of disaster, and economic outcomes. With that said, let's discuss different ways climate change affects human health. 1. Increase in Temperatures One of the effects of climate change that is dominant around the globe is an increase in temperature. Over the last few years, the world is experiencing a significant temperature rise, causing greenhouse effects and scorching summer. Moreover, the rising temperature is also leading to heat strokes and deaths. This year, Canada's temperatures rose to 45C, setting a new record high. But it is worth noting that these temperatures fuel climate change, which directly impacts human health. Some of the notable factors are burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests and livestock. The reduction in the forests alone bumps the temperatures and traps greenhouse heat. On the other side, certain populations are more vulnerable to the global rise in temperatures. These include the societies that lack socioeconomic status, outdoor workers, athletes, and the homeless. For that instance, there is a dire need for policies to address the healthcare needs of these populations and ensure wellbeing for these groups. Research also reports that these extreme heatwaves are set to increase in the future. It raises the alarm to ensure better healthcare access to deprived societies and reduce exposure to abrupt climate change. 2. Air Quality Impact The air we breathe is no longer fresh. The changing climate is now proving the consequences of higher levels of pollutants leading to unhealthy air quality. That is also why there are higher rates of deaths related to air pollution than from car accidents. It might come as shocking that both indoor and outdoor air is harmful to human health. The prominent drivers of these diminishing air quality are burning fossil fuels, construction, and industrial waste. The increase in carbon dioxide emissions from the industries also increases the growth of plants that produce airborne allergens. Moreover, these emissions are also destroying the ground-level ozone layers, which allows the ultraviolet rays to reach the surface that infiltrates human health. Scientists project that carbon emissions are more likely to put vulnerable people into hospitals. Since carbon emissions impact the ozone layer, children and outdoor workers can suffer from chronic lung disease. There is still research required to identify the measures to curb the worsening air quality and reduce its impact on human health with these complex factors. You may go through: Is The World Shifting Fast Enough To Renewable Sources Of Energy? 3. Extreme Weather Apart from worse air quality globally, climate change also yields extreme weather patterns. According to experts, the increase in natural disasters and extreme weather significantly impacts human health. Especially, the young children, older adults, and disabled groups are exposed to these threats from climate change. The floods, droughts, and storms lead to unprecedented impacts like the availability of healthy food and healthcare. Moreover, the damages also leave the deprived groups in limited mobility, causing a variety of issues. Especially, post-traumatic stress disorders are pervasive in such extreme weather conditions. The evacuations and emergency aids indeed come in handy in such situations. The evacuations and emergencies also require medical assistance and equipment to meet everyone's needs. However, the everlasting impact of climate change can leave many human lives on the brink of collapse. 4. Vectorborne Disease Vectorborne diseases also come along with natural disasters that are fueled by climate change. These diseases are spread by disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, fleas, and other hosts like birds. These vectors carry infectious pathogens of viruses, bacteria, and fungi that are transmissible to humans. The main factor that worries the organizations is the ideal weather conditions that lead to the transmission of this disease. For instance, the monsoon spells across Asia result in higher precipitation and humidity levels that promote the growth of dengue mosquitoes. These vectors spread severe dengue infections causing frequent epidemics burden on Asia. Final Words Climate change affects our health in one way or another. However, there is a lot of measures we can take to reduce its impact and prepare ourselves. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is already causing a cascade of consequences on the world. But it is also essential to act fast and reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change. Read Also: Six Main Reasons Why You Need to Care for Environment How to start living off the grid

What Services Do Residential Treatment Centers Offer?

Residential treatment centers for youth can be a boon to an afflicted teen and their entire family. Still, before choosing any rehabilitation or treatment option, it’s wise to understand what those options entail. We’ll give you a thorough breakdown of what residential treatment centers do, how they operate, and why they’re so effective at treating various conditions, from anxiety and stress to drug abuse. What Is A Residential Treatment Center? A residential treatment center is a resource used by millions of Americans to help them cope with a variety of concerns. These can vary from the mild, such as higher stress levels, to the extreme, such as disorders, cognitive issues, or substance abuse. The goal of a residential treatment center is to create a healthy environment for the patient that allows them to focus on their own recovery, often blending a retreat-style getaway with therapy and personalized care. What Services Do Residential Treatment Centers Provide? Residential treatment centers offer a variety of services, including: Therapy Therapeutic treatment is at the heart of every residential treatment center. With licensed mental health experts and experts in various conditions that may affect a patient, residential treatment centers offer a combination of individual and group therapy approaches depending on the issues that the patient presents. Approaches differ by treatment center, but the goal is to help the individual recognize the validity of their feelings, express those feelings in a safe space, and, over time, learn to cope with their emotions, impulses, or addictions. Treatment options vary greatly, some proving more effective at treating specific types of disorders, conditions, or predispositions: Talk therapy – Often used with teens, talk therapy is a common approach wherein an individual can talk with a licensed mental health professional about anything and everything, walking through life experiences to process them effectively. Group therapy – Individuals in a treatment center often participate in group therapy, which allows treatment center members to share their experiences, their struggles, and their growth. Knowing they’re not alone greatly benefits many who are struggling, and having someone with the same difficulties cheering them on creates an environment of positivity. Alternative therapy treatments – From specialized treatments such as psychodynamic therapy to dialectical behavioral therapy, different schools of thought in therapeutic treatments can lead to different outcomes. Depending on the patient’s condition, a specialized type of therapy may be necessary or helpful. Activity-based treatment – Research suggests that structured physical activity is beneficial in residential treatment centers. Some level of activity fosters overall wellness and may contribute to a better sense of well-being. These may include art therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, or massages. Animal-assisted therapy – Lastly, animal-assisted therapy uses animals like dogs and horses, for which the center patients may care. These approaches reduce anxiety and can instill responsibility. Animal-assisted therapy is particularly helpful for patients with mental health disorders. Retreat-Style Care One of the underlying principles of a treatment center is the retreat style. In essence, it’s supposed to be a relaxing and calming environment that lets troubled individuals take their minds off the stressors of everyday life for a little while. In doing so, they can concentrate on the therapy provided, develop a sense of personal wellness, and, if applicable, dissociate themselves from harmful stimuli that could exacerbate their condition. Such reasoning is particularly relevant for patients who are struggling with substance abuse. By living in a drug-free environment for a while, patients can learn to cope, recognize the way that substances affect their bodies, and restore their condition to a dependency-free state. The goal of ‘retreating’ is to return to everyday life feeling rejuvenated, strengthened, and capable. From the distance of a retreat, individuals can focus on their own mental health needs without unhelpful outside input and identify circumstances or relationships that are contributing to their success. The increased focus on interpersonal issues in a private space allows the therapeutic method to be truly effective and long-lasting. A Strong Support Network Throughout the process, treatment centers provide a powerful network of providers that can help individuals with their needs. Often, people experiencing mental health concerns, cognitive development issues, or addictive/compulsive behavior feel incredibly isolated from their community, friends, and family. A great benefit of residential treatment centers is that patients have constant support from medical professionals who offer both physical and mental health checks throughout the process. A strong support network places patients in a position to receive the best care they can during their stay, allowing them to return to their everyday life with a better toolkit for coping with their emotions, denying their compulsions, and reframing their thought patterns. This support network also manifests through discipline; residential treatment center patients often stick to a tight schedule of brief yet intensive therapy. No illegal drugs or harmful behavior are allowed, giving residents the best start to kick unhealthy habits and start the recovery process through treatment. Continued Support Recovery doesn’t happen overnight; many patients need continued support as they transition back into regular living. Even after patients leave the residential treatment center, they often have the opportunity to keep in touch with their therapist and report their progress. Doing so helps transition the teaching at the center to the real world since, in many cases, mental health issues and the temptation of substance abuse don’t just vanish at the retreat. It takes continued effort on the part of the individual to ward off those negative emotions or harmful tendencies, which is much easier with the ongoing support of a therapist. The Bottom Line From intensive, specialized therapeutic treatment to a strong support network of care providers, residential treatment offers a range of helpful services that give residents the best chance at recovery. It’s the best of both worlds. People benefit from residential treatment centers by stepping away from their ordinary lives to focus clearly on recovery. The healing process can be complex and laborious, but a residential treatment center can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life through evidence-based therapy to help them experience long-term success. Read Also: B.Sc. Agriculture- An emerging career option in India Finding Your Dream Career: 5 Useful Tips for you to Research about a Company Before You Apply Tips to Explain with Your Web Designer for Starting the Job

Integrating Therapy And Activities In Residential Treatment

The integration of therapy and activities in residential treatment facilities is a pivotal aspect of modern mental health care. This approach combines traditional therapeutic methods with various activities, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment and providing a more holistic recovery experience for residents. In residential treatment settings, therapy remains the cornerstone of the recovery process. This typically involves a combination of individual and group therapy sessions, utilizing various psychotherapeutic techniques and other evidence-based practices. These therapies are designed to address the underlying causes of mental health issues, helping residents develop coping mechanisms and better understand their conditions. Integrating activities alongside therapy adds a crucial dimension to the treatment process. Activities in residential treatment facilities can range from physical exercise, such as yoga or swimming, to creative endeavors like art or music therapy. These activities are not merely recreational; they are carefully chosen for their therapeutic benefits. For instance, physical activities can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, while creative therapies offer a non-verbal outlet for expression and emotional exploration. One significant benefit of integrating activities into treatment is the enhancement of therapy effectiveness. Engaging in activities can help residents apply and reinforce the skills learned in therapy sessions. For example, participating in a group sport can improve social skills and teamwork, reflecting the interpersonal skills taught in group therapy. Another advantage is the promotion of a holistic approach to wellness. Mental health is intrinsically linked to physical and emotional well-being. Activities like mindfulness meditation or nutritional workshops contribute to overall health, which is crucial for mental health recovery. These activities encourage residents to adopt healthier lifestyles, which can have long-lasting benefits beyond their time in the facility. The diverse array of available activities further enhances the personalization of the treatment experience. Recognizing that residents have unique interests and respond differently to various activities, offering a wide range of options ensures that each resident can discover activities that deeply resonate with them. This approach not only tailors the treatment experience to individual preferences but also boosts resident engagement and enjoyment, fostering a more meaningful and effective recovery journey. The variety of activities becomes a dynamic tool in creating a therapeutic environment that accommodates diverse needs and promotes holistic well-being. Incorporating activities into residential treatment also fosters a sense of community and belonging among residents. Participating in group activities builds camaraderie and support, essential elements in the recovery journey. It creates opportunities for residents to form meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences. Moreover, these activities provide practical skills and hobbies that residents can continue after leaving the facility. Skills learned through activities such as gardening, cooking, or painting can be valuable tools for stress management and self-care in daily life. Integrating therapy and activities in residential treatment offers a comprehensive approach to mental health recovery. This integration enhances the effectiveness of traditional therapies, promotes holistic wellness, allows for personalization of the treatment experience, builds community, and equips residents with practical skills for life post-treatment. What Is Integrative Therapy? Academics have argued that psychotherapy and psychology are essentially different. According to them, treatment takes a backseat because of the insistent modalities. We define ourselves in a certain way and set up “false dichotomies when, in practice, we routinely straddle multiple approaches.” Integration is a term that suggests the bringing together of things. When dealing with clients, it suggests that we adapt to both the needs of clients and their context by blending fragmented theoretical frameworks as well as their methods. Human beings are complex, and they bring unique hopes, needs, and challenges to therapy. A therapist's chief challenge lies in attempting to make an honest integrative therapy that amalgamates different philosophical commitments, assumptions, and values. They must also admit that not all of these practices and theories can be compatible. So, when integrative therapists treat their clients, they must consider the what, how, and when of integration. This would typically involve one of the four potential approaches. Theoretical integration: Transcends the individual models by making a single model Technical eclecticism: Combines the effective bits of different approaches Assimilative integration: Works mainly in a single model whole, also integrating several aspects of other approaches Common factors: Focuses on the right practices as well as elements from all approaches History of Integrated Therapy Human interest in therapeutic integration dates back as far as Freud and the contemporaries of the father of psychology in the early 1900s. Sandor Ferenczi, a relational psychoanalyst from Hungary, wrote a paper in 1933. He argued that instead of staying too true to the stereotypical techniques, we must take our cues from the patient and adopt the most suitable approach at a time in the best interest of the patient. Aaron Beck claimed in 1991 that cognitive behavioral therapy could actually be integrative therapy. He said that because of the broad sweep of psychology and the resulting integration of different technical procedures, cognitive therapy is integrative therapy. It is possible that we can challenge his claims today, but CBT is a prime example of the combination of two or more approaches. In that case, the awareness of the client’s belief system going through a change can improve the therapist’s efforts on their behavioral change. Holistic Therapy and Integrative Therapy Partnerships The combination of integrative therapy and holistic therapy has repeatedly proved to be effective and valuable in palliative care. It helps clients deal with their discomfort, pain, anguish, and fear related to their past, present, and future. When traditional Western medicine cannot help the chronically and terminally ill, treatments like imagery, therapies, and meditation, along with psychotherapy, tend to offer hope for them. Their needs for peace and calm at nearly the end of their lives are met with a lot of help. Other approaches, when combined with integrated psychotherapies, get into the details of theology, spirituality, religion, and existential motives. Wrapping Up Integrated therapy offers a strong and flexible approach to psychotherapy that addresses each client’s complex as well as unique needs. It aims to help create a comprehensive framework that will prioritize effective dialogue between different approaches by bringing together techniques and theories from various psychological models. Read Also: Ketamine Therapy: A New Hope For Treating Depression And Anxiety What Is Thinspo? | Impact On Physical And Mental Health Psychedelic Therapy for Mental Health Conditions

Symptoms and Treatments for Shingles

What Causes Shingles?

Symptoms of Shingles:

Treatments for Shingles:

Do You Know How to Take Care of The Eye?

5 Natural Immune System Supplement Tips for Cold and Flu Season

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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The Effect of Climate Change on Human Health

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Symptoms and Treatments for Shingles

What Causes Shingles?

Symptoms of Shingles:

Treatments for Shingles:

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Do You Know How to Take Care of The Eye?

5 Natural Immune System Supplement Tips for Cold and Flu Season

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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