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?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind shingles consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Weakened Immune System | 92% | Confirm |
HIV/AIDS | 22% | Unlikely |
Lupus (SLE) | 3% | Ruled out |
Adrenal Fatigue | 0% | Ruled out |
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 |
Lupus patients are at an unusually high risk for contracting herpes zoster.
Some people with AIDS develop frequent and severe shingles; shingles is 9 times more likely to develop in those infected with HIV.
Shingles is also more common in people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, transplant operations and stress.