What Causes Shingles?
In order to deal properly with shingles we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors.
We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow shingles to develop?"
Diagnose your symptoms now!
- see your health summarized and in detail
- let The Analyst™ find what's wrong
- learn what you should be doing right now
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind shingles consists of three steps:
Step 1: List the Possible Causative Factors
Identify all disease conditions, lifestyle choices and environmental risk factors that can lead to shingles. Here are four possibilities:
- Weakened Immune System
- Lupus (SLE)
- Adrenal Fatigue
- HIV/AIDS
Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist
Identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
adrenal insufficiency
history of seizures
low energy/stamina
chronic thyroiditis
prednisone use
low lymphocyte count
resolved atypical recent headaches
highly elevated eosinophil count
breast soreness during cycle
vision disturbances
being at risk of HIV/AIDS
male characteristics
... and more than 90 others
Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause
A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of shingles:
Cause |
Probability |
Status |
HIV/AIDS |
98% |
Confirm |
Adrenal Fatigue |
20% |
Unlikely |
Weakened Immune System |
4% |
Ruled out |
Lupus (SLE) |
4% |
Ruled out |
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process
Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis
The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.
In the
Immune System Symptoms section of the questionnaire,
The Analyst™ will ask the following question about shingles:
Shingles (also known as Herpes Zoster or Varicella Zoster). Have you ever been diagnosed with this condition? Symptoms include rash, blisters for 1-14 days, burning/shooting pain and tingling/itching usually on one side of the body or face.
Possible responses:
→ Never had it / don't know
→ Probably/minor episode now resolved
→ Major episode now resolved
→ Current minor problem
→ Current major problem
|
Based on your response to this question, which may indicate either history of shingles or shingles,
The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:
HIV/AIDS
Some people with AIDS develop frequent and severe shingles; shingles is 9 times more likely to develop in those infected with HIV.
Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™
Symptom Entry
Diagnosis
Suggestions
LifeMeter®
Explanations
Review (optional)