The truth about shingles
December 4, 2012
SHINGLES should not be
dismissed as an inconsequential
skin condition that older people get
and then get over, according to
Professor Dominic Dwyer, Director,
Centre for Infectious Diseases and
Microbiology Laboratory Services,
Westmead Hospital at University of
Sydney.
Dwyer’s comments follow the
release of a new study conducted
for CSL Biotherapies by Hall &
Partners, involving 337 Australian
men and women aged 60 years and
over who had been diagnosed with
shingles.
Key findings in the study included
the fact that shingles pain was most
commonly described as “electric,
like my nerve endings were on fire”,
whilst other common descriptions
included “hot needles” and
“stabbing”.
Researchers also found that the
ongoing pain many experience for
months, if not years, after shingles
has a profound effect on their
wellbeing and ability to participate
actively in society, with those
suffering persistent pain twice as
likely to report a negative outlook
on life.
In addition two in three (67%) of
those surveyed with chronic
shingles pain reported having to
decrease or stop going out and
socialising, whilst more than half
(52%) had to limit walking and were
unable to sleep properly (57%); and
almost one in three had difficulty
with simple activities such as
bathing (31%) and getting dressed
(27%).
“Many people think of shingles
as just an unpleasant rash - like an
adult version of chicken pox,” said
Professor Dwyer.
“The truth is, chronic pain from
shingles is common and
debilitating, particularly amongst
those in their sixties, seventies and
older, yet it is not well-known by
the general public.
“Our seniors deserve more.
“They deserve recognition and
support when living with this
debilitating condition, which is
likely to become more prevalent
with Australia's growing older
population,” he added.
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