According to PubMed Health, approximately 50 percent of Americans will have had some form of shingles by the time they reach the age of 80. Because the likelihood of developing this viral infection is so high, it’s important for seniors to keep it in check to prevent more serious health complications. If your senior loved one has developed shingles, here are a few additional issues that may follow if the infection isn’t properly taken care of.
Ongoing Nerve Pain
The shingles virus typically travels along the path of a nerve to the skin, where it erupts in a blistering, oozing rash along one side of the body. Because the nerves are involved, the rash can be extremely painful, making it difficult to engage in daily activities or even bear the touch of clothing on the skin. In some cases, the nerves are so damaged that the pain can last for months or even years after the rash subsides. The condition is called postherpetic neuralgia and is most often seen in individuals over the age of 50.
A compassionate caregiver can provide your loved one with emotional support as well as assistance with the basic tasks of everyday living. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a leading home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Cranial Nerve Complications
If the shingles virus attacks the nerves originating in your loved one’s brain, he or she may experience a variety of issues, depending on which specific nerves are affected, including:
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Pain, inflammation, and loss of movement in the ears, mouth, face, and neck
- Loss of hearing or a ringing in the ears
- Dry mouth and loss of taste
- Inflammation leading to blocked blood vessels in the brain, resulting in a stroke
Systemic Rash
In most cases, the shingles rash is limited to a narrow band or patch along one side of the body. However, in rare instances, the rash can spread over large portions of the body. Once the rash becomes disseminated, it can affect internal organs, including the liver, heart, lungs, intestinal tract, and pancreas.
A home caregiver can monitor your loved one for complications of existing illnesses and symptoms of new conditions. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care service. Dana Point families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Secondary Infection
The blisters associated with shingles can fester and break open, which can pave the way for a bacterial skin infection. It’s important for your loved one to avoid scratching the blisters to give them time to dry up and crust over. Cool compresses, calamine lotion, and baking soda can dry the blisters so they heal more quickly. Prescription antibiotic creams and ointments may be necessary if the skin becomes infected.
If your loved one develops shingles, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide assistance with everyday tasks. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs more extensive home care, Assisting Hands® Dana Point can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at (949) 426-7300 today.
