Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful reactivation of the chickenpox developed in childhood. Dermatologists of Birmingham provides education, diagnosis and treatment of shingles for people who live in Birmingham, Alabaster and surrounding areas in Alabama.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a reactivation of chickenpox from childhood that causes painful, small blisters on one aspect of the skin. Shingles is more common with advancing age as our immune system is less about to keep the virus dormant, though the shingles vaccine is very effective at preventing it.
Benefits of Shingles Treatment
Shingles is a painful condition and can be debilitating. The benefit of shingles treatment is to lessen the symptoms and shorten the length of the outbreak.
How Do I Know If I Have Shingles?
Shingles can be detected early. If you notice a localized sensitivity, itching, tingling or burning on your skin, it may be an early sign of shingles. The outbreak produces significant symptoms, such as:
- A rash that develops in the same area as the early signs
- Grouped small blisters
- Pain
While the rash from shingles can last several weeks, associated with shingles may last for several months.
What to Expect from Shingles Treatment
Your dermatologist may prescribe several medications to lessen the symptoms of shingles, such as:
- Anti-viral medications
- Corticosteroids for inflammation
How Much Does Shingles Treatment Cost in Birmingham?
Shingles treatment is covered by most insurance carriers, so you may only have a portion of the cost to pay out-of-pocket. We accept payment by cash, checks, major credit cards and our financing options.
We encourage patients who are 50 or older to have a shingles vaccination. If you do experience a shingles outbreak, we provide treatment to minimize the impact on your life. If you believe that you have shingles or would like to learn more about treatment, contact us today to schedule a personal consultation.
*Individual results may vary. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a qualified physician.