OrganizedWisdom Health - Shingles

Shingles May Raise Stroke Risk

AmyS — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:17:30 GMT

A new study shows that adults who have shingles have a higher risk of suffering from a stroke, especially if the shingles affects the eyes. Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. This study is published in the online October 2009 edition of Stroke.

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Homeopathic Remedies for Shingles

MStaker — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:48:39 GMT

There are some homeopathic remedies that can help with the pain and itch of shingles. Stress can increase the pain, so relaxation techniques should be practiced to avoid stress. Other remedies for shingles include washing the sores with soap and water, or applying cold compresses with a water and vinegar mixture.

Fast Facts:

Mezereum can help with severe pain from shingles.
Calamine lotion is a good treatment for drying the sores caused by shingles.
Lysine may help inhibit the spread of shingles, according to a study.
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a rash that is painful and itchy.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Homeopathic_Remedies_for_Shingles

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Linked to Infections

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:41:14 GMT

Because many of the drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis act in a manner to suppress the immune system, several of these medications have been linked to the development of various bacterial and fungal infections and cancer. The use of some tumor necrosis factor medications has recently been linked to an increase in shingles, a painful infection characterized by blisters. Medications such as Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, and Cimzia have been linked to an increase in lymphoma.

Fast Facts:

Histoplasmosis, a flu-like fungal infection, has also been linked to rheumatoid arthritis medications.
Patients who are undergoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis are encouraged to contact their physicians in the event of unusual side effects or a generalized feeling of illness.
Although many of the rheumatoid arthritis medication have the potential to lead to the development of other, sometimes fatal, infections or diseases, the benefits to the patient in receiving the medications are often times greater than the risk involved.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Rheumatoid_Arthritis_Drugs_Linked_to_Infections

Psoriasis vs. Shingles

Jkg0679 — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:07:14 GMT

While both are skin conditions, psoriasis and shingles have a number of differences. Psoriasis is marked by patches of red skin with silvery flakes. While psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, it is most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, hands, and feet. Shingles are marked by a rash or blisters that are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The first symptom of shingles is a burning or tingling sensation, or numbness in one location of the body.

Fast Facts:

The five main types of psoriasis are plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis.
Psoriasis often occurs in adults, and can run in families.
Shingles blisters are similar in appearance to chickenpox, which is also caused by the varicella zoster virus.
Shingles commonly occurs on one side of the trunk of the waistline.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Psoriasis_vs._Shingles

How to Tell if You Are Too Sick for School

SScroggins — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:59:27 GMT

Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea are three reasons why you should not send your child to school or daycare. A bad cough, skin rash, and pink eye also warrant a day out of school. However, runny nose, ear ache (without fever), minor sore throat, and a mild cough are typically not serious, and you should probably send the child to school for the day.

Fast Facts:

Many schools require children stay home (or be sent home) if they have a fever over 100 degrees.
Lice infestations will require your child stays home until all lice and nits have been removed from the hair. Children infected with scabies will typically be admitted back to school after a parent can provide proof of treatment.
If your child appears to be unwell, and you are unsure about sending him or her to school, contact your child's health care provider for advice.

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Medications for Neuropathic Pain

Crdelucas — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:11:01 GMT

Seizure medications, antidepressants, and local anesthetics are some ways neuropathic pain is currently being treated. Damage to nerves, spinal cord, or brain are common causes of neuropathic pain causing burning, shock-like, electric, tingling pain sensations. Medications are generally the first line of treatment for neuropathic pain.

Fast Facts:

In the United States, approximately four million individuals are affected by neuralgia.
Electrical stimulation is often used when medications fail.
Common causes of neuropathic pain include alcoholism, amputation, chemotherapy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, shingles, and spine surgery.
Other treatment medications are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), narcotics (opiods), opiod combinations, analgesics, sedatives, hypnotics, muscle relaxants, and trans-dermal patches and ointments.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Medications_for_Neuropathic_Pain

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug and Shingles

AmyS — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:50:35 GMT

A certain class of medication commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of shingles. This risk increases among the elderly who are also taking steroids. Scientists believe these findings should only raise awareness among physicians and patients as a potential complication.

Fast Facts:

Shingles is caused by herpes zoster, the chicken pox virus.
Data from about 5,000 patients was analyzed for this study.
This is published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Rheumatoid_Arthritis_Drug_and_Shingles

Neurontin Withdrawal

TaraSal — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:02:43 GMT

Neurontin withdrawal must be done slowly. People who take Neurontin for epilepsy risk having an increase in the frequency of seizures if the drug is discontinued too quickly. Speak with your health care provider before abruptly quitting this drug.

Fast Facts:

Dizziness, drowsiness, clumsiness, hostility, hyperactivity, mood swings, nausea, tiredness, or vomiting can be symptoms of withdrawal.
Neurontin is a brand name for the drug gabapentin.
Neurontin is a medication used for treating certain kinds of epileptic seizures and nerve pain associated with herpes zoster (shingles) infection.
Neurontin is also been used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Patients using Neurontin to treat bipolar disorder often have similar questions about using seizure drugs. OrganizedWisdom has psychiatrists addressing the most common concerns.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Neurontin_Withdrawal

Depression and Shingles

TaraSal — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:03:41 GMT

Depression can play a big role in the immune system becoming compromised. Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the virus which causes chicken pox (varicella zoster virus). Although it is not known what actually causes the varicella zoster virus to become active again, the immune system plays an important part in keeping viruses at bay. When your immune system becomes weak, shingles can appear.

Fast Facts:

Postherpetic neuralgia (chronic pain stage of shingles) and it's symptoms of aching, burning, stabbing and persistent pain, and extreme sensitivity to touch can lead to depression.
Some people with shingles find it difficult to continue a previously active lifestyle, which can cause depression.
One study found that the antidepressant medication amitriptyline (Elavil) reduced the chance of developing postherpetic neuralgia if given during the shingles phase.

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Lysine

SScroggins — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:30:33 GMT

Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning it is essential to human life yet it cannot be made by the body. It is important for proper growth, helps the body absorb and conserve calcium, plays a role in the formation of collagen, and has an essential role in the production of carnitine. Foods which are high in lysine include protein-rich foods such as red meat, cheese, nuts, eggs, soybeans, spirulina, some fish and fenugreek seeds.

Fast Facts:

Lysine supplements can speed recovery time of the herpes simplex virus and shingles.
Lysine supplementation is not recommended in patients with kidney or liver disease.
Sufficient amounts of lysine are usually absorbed through diet, but supplements are available in various forms.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Lysine