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Shingles

Shingles

Guaranteed comfort and well-being

Professional and caring approach

Quick appointment

Comprehensive evaluation for a tailored treatment plan

Guaranteed comfort and well-being

Professional and caring approach

Quick appointment

Comprehensive evaluation for a tailored treatment plan

Do you think you have shingles?

Visit our clinic in Sainte-Thérèse to get diagnosed and treated for shingles. This infection can cause painful rashes, itching, and burning sensations. It may also lead to complications such as persistent pain even after the rash has healed.

Shingles can significantly affect your quality of life and cause considerable discomfort. That’s why we offer personalized solutions to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications.

Our healthcare professionals provide quick consultations for an accurate evaluation, confirming the diagnosis and exploring the most effective treatment options. Come see us for personalized care and regain your comfort.

514-533-6467

Online appointment

Do you think you have shingles?

Visit our clinic in Sainte-Thérèse to get diagnosed and treated for shingles. This infection can cause painful rashes, itching, and burning sensations. It may also lead to complications such as persistent pain even after the rash has healed.

Shingles can significantly affect your quality of life and cause considerable discomfort. That’s why we offer personalized solutions to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications.

Our healthcare professionals provide quick consultations for an accurate evaluation, confirming the diagnosis and exploring the most effective treatment options. Come see us for personalized care and regain your comfort.

All about shingles

What is shingles?

The Disease

Shingles is a condition caused by the same virus as chickenpox, known as the varicella-zoster virus. After having chickenpox, usually during childhood, the virus does not completely leave your body. It remains inactive in the nerve ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cells.

Years, or even decades later, this virus can “reactivate” and cause a new infection, called shingles.

Risk factors

Older age: The risk increases after age 50 and is even higher in people over 65.

Immunosuppression:

HIV infection.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids.

Immunosuppressive treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, TNF inhibitors).

Organ or stem cell transplantation.

Stress or trauma: Factors that can temporarily lower immunity.

Chronic illnesses: Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or other inflammatory conditions.

Signs/Symptoms

Shingles: Common Manifestations

Painful and localized skin rash on one side of the body:

Restricted to one or two adjacent areas of the skin, called dermatomes, without crossing the midline.

Characteristic appearance: small blisters grouped on red skin.

Progression of lesions in several stages:

Redness.

Small bumps.

Blisters filled with liquid.

Formation of scabs in 7 to 10 days.

Complete healing of the skin usually in 2 to 4 weeks.

Severe pain or burning sensation:

May appear 1 to 3 days before the lesions.

Feels like burning, stabbing, or tingling in a specific area.

Typical locations:

The most commonly affected areas include the chest, abdomen, and lower back.

The Diagnosis

Shingles Diagnosis

The diagnosis of shingles primarily relies on a thorough clinical assessment. Healthcare professionals can usually identify this condition based on a combination of clinical elements, including the characteristic symptoms reported by the patient and the typical appearance of the lesions on the skin.

The skin lesions associated with shingles often present in a distinctive manner, allowing clinicians to make a diagnosis with a high level of certainty. This diagnostic process is essential, as it confirms the presence of the disease without the need for additional tests in most cases.

A prompt diagnosis offers several benefits. It not only allows for timely initiation of specific treatment but also helps to reduce the risk of complications that can arise without proper management. This quick intervention is therefore crucial for ensuring a better prognosis for the patient.

Treatments

Treatment Goals

Accelerate healing of skin lesions to reduce the duration of the rash.

Relieve pain, which is often intense and disabling, to improve the patient’s comfort.

Limit the appearance of new lesions to control the progression of the rash.

Prevent complications such as skin, neurological, or systemic issues related to shingles.

Reduce virus transmission, particularly to vulnerable individuals (pregnant women, immunocompromised people).

Treatment Approaches

Antiviral therapy :

Oral Medications

Recommended based on specific criteria (age, severity, risk factors).

Reduces viral replication, the duration of the rash, and the risk of complications.

Ideally started within 72 hours of symptom onset.

Pain management :

Tailored to the intensity of symptoms.

Includes simple pain relievers for mild pain.

May require specific medications for severe or persistent pain.

These combined interventions enable quick and effective management, promoting optimal recovery.

Preventive Measures

Vaccination

The Shingrix (Shingles-SU) vaccine is known for its high efficacy in preventing shingles and reducing its complications. Recommended for adults, especially the elderly or immunocompromised individuals, this vaccine provides advanced protection against this painful infection.

Efficacy

Significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles, with an effectiveness of about 90%.

Reduces both acute and chronic pain related to the disease, as well as complications, which can be particularly severe in vulnerable individuals.

Offers long-lasting protection, with efficacy maintained for at least 10 years, making it a long-term preventive solution.

Thanks to these benefits, the Shingrix vaccine is an essential option for preventing shingles and improving the quality of life for individuals at risk.

Book my vaccination

Online appointment

Tout savoir sur le zona

What is shingles?

The Disease

Shingles is a condition caused by the same virus as chickenpox, known as the varicella-zoster virus. After having chickenpox, usually during childhood, the virus does not completely leave your body. It remains inactive in the nerve ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cells.

Years, or even decades later, this virus can “reactivate” and cause a new infection, called shingles.

Risk factors

Older age: The risk increases after age 50 and is even higher in people over 65.

Immunosuppression:

HIV infection.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids.

Immunosuppressive treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, TNF inhibitors).

Organ or stem cell transplantation.

Stress or trauma: Factors that can temporarily lower immunity.

Chronic illnesses: Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or other inflammatory conditions.

.

Signs/Symptoms

Common Manifestations

Painful and localized skin rash on one side of the body:

Limited to one or two adjacent areas of the skin, called dermatomes, without crossing the midline.

Characteristic appearance: small blisters grouped on red skin.

Lesion progression in several stages:

Redness.

Small bumps.

Blisters filled with liquid.

Formation of scabs in 7 to 10 days.

Complete healing of the skin generally in 2 to 4 weeks.

Severe pain or burning sensation:

May appear 1 to 3 days before the lesions.

Feels like burning, stinging, or tingling in a specific area.

Typical locations:

The most commonly affected areas include the chest, abdomen, and lower back.

The Diagnosis

Shingles Diagnosis

The diagnosis of shingles primarily relies on a thorough clinical assessment. Healthcare professionals can usually identify this condition based on a combination of clinical elements, including the characteristic symptoms reported by the patient and the typical appearance of the lesions on the skin.

The skin lesions associated with shingles often present in a distinctive manner, allowing clinicians to make a diagnosis with a high level of certainty. This diagnostic process is essential, as it confirms the presence of the disease without the need for additional tests in most cases.

A prompt diagnosis offers several benefits. It not only allows for timely initiation of specific treatment but also helps to reduce the risk of complications that can arise without proper management. This quick intervention is therefore crucial for ensuring a better prognosis for the patient.

Treatments

Treatment Goals

Accelerate healing of skin lesions to reduce the duration of the rash.

Relieve pain, often intense and disabling, to improve the patient’s comfort.

Limit the appearance of new lesions to control the progression of the rash.

Prevent complications such as skin, neurological, or systemic issues related to shingles.

Reduce virus transmission, particularly to vulnerable individuals (pregnant women, immunocompromised people).

Treatment Approaches

Antiviral therapy:

Oral Medications

Recommended based on specific criteria (age, severity, risk factors).

Reduces viral replication, the duration of the rash, and the risk of complications.

Ideally started within 72 hours of symptom onset.

Pain management:

Tailored to the intensity of symptoms.

Includes simple pain relievers for mild pain.

May require specific medications for severe or persistent pain.

These combined interventions enable quick and effective management, promoting optimal recovery.

Mesures préventive

Vaccination

The Shingrix (Shingles-SU) vaccine is known for its high efficacy in preventing shingles and reducing its complications. Recommended for adults, especially the elderly or immunocompromised individuals, this vaccine provides advanced protection against this painful infection.

Efficacy

Significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles, with an effectiveness of about 90%.

Reduces both acute and chronic pain related to the disease, as well as complications, which can be particularly severe in vulnerable individuals.

Offers long-lasting protection, with efficacy maintained for at least 10 years, making it a long-term preventive solution.

Thanks to these benefits, the Shingrix vaccine is an essential option for preventing shingles and improving the quality of life for individuals at risk.

Online appointment

Quick Consultation

129$* non taxable

Consultation and assessment
Immediate diagnosis
Prescription sent directly to the pharmacy
Receipt for insurance

Quick Consultation

129$ non taxable

Consultation and assessment
Immediate diagnosis
Prescription sent directly to the pharmacy
Receipt for insurance

Book an appointment online

Book your consultation now for personalized care and expert quality. Contact us by phone or book online to take care of yourself today.