The MediFocus Guidebook on Shingles is the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including risk factors of Shingles, standard and alternative treatment options, leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Shingles, results of the latest clinical trials, support groups and additional resources, and promising new treatments on the horizon. This one of a kind Guidebook offers answers to your critical health questions including the latest treatments, clinical trials, and expert research; high quality, professional level information you can trust and understand culled from the latest peer-reviewed journals; and a unique resource to find leading experts, institutions, and support organizations including contact information and hyperlinks. This Guidebook was updated on November 10, 2010.Shingles, also called Herpes Zoster, is an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox - the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).Shingles results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that was acquired during a primary varicella infection (chickenpox) - which usually occurs in childhood after exposure to the airborne virus. Therefore, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles later in their life, and, whereas varicella is generally a disease of childhood, shingles becomes more common with increasing age.Diagnosis of shingles infection is usually made by inspection of the characteristic rash and associated symptoms. Occasionally, diagnostic tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.The development of complications from shingles depends on the severity of the infection and the location of the involved nerves. The most common chronic complication of shingles is a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia , defined as pain that persists more than 6 weeks after development of the rash.Treatment of shingles has three major objectives: * Treatment of the acute viral infection * Treatment of the acute pain * Prevention of postherpetic neuralgiaIn general, treatment options for shingles includes antiviral medications, pain medications, and nerve blocks.Recently, a new vaccine called Zostavax (Merck), has been approved in the United States for the prevention of shingles in individuals 60 years of age or older.Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Shingles, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including: * What are the risk factors of Shingles? * What standard and alternative treatment options are available? * Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Shingles research and treatment? * What are the results of the latest clinical trials? * Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area? * What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. Your health matters. Don't leave it to chance. Arm yourself with the most comprehensive, up-to-date research available by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook today.