Senior shingles patients unlikely to have recurrence of painful skin condition

It is unlikely to have a recurrence of shingles – a skin condition – in senior patients, according to researchers at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. The researchers found that seniors who have already experienced the painful skin condition have a low risk of developing it again.

The findings also suggest that there is no urgency for these seniors to get vaccinated as a means to prevent a second shingles case.

The researchers reviewed health records and monitored shingles recurrence among 6,000 seniors. During an average two-year follow-up, there were less than 30 shingles recurrence cases noted.

Lead author Hung-Fu Tseng said, “This study’s findings are important because we found that the risk of having a recurrent shingles episode is not as high as previous research indicates. We now have empirical data that show the risk of recurrence is low among an elderly population who did not have compromised immune systems, regardless of their vaccination status.”

Nearly one million Americans are affected by shingles, which occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus becomes reactivated. There is currently a shingles vaccine available that can be administered to seniors, as they are at high risk of developing it. Furthermore, if left untreated, shingles can lead to other health complications. It is important to first be vaccinated and, secondly, seek out medical attention at the first sign of shingles.

Tseng added, “While this latest study adds to the growing evidence base of emerging knowledge about the shingles vaccine, more research is needed. Our findings need to be replicated by studies with larger populations.”

Continue Reading more at http://www.belmarrahealth.com/senior-shingles-patients-unlikely-to-have-recurrence-of-painful-skin-condition/

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