Shingles (varicella zoster virus, herpes zoster) You probably think that once you have had chicken pox your body has a natural immunity to the virus and you never have to worry about having it again.  If you have had chickenpox you may be at risk of developing shingles, a painful form of the virus later in life.  The virus never totally leaves your body, it lays dormant in nerve cells deep under the skin near your spine and may never awaken.  Although there is not a single known trigger that awakens the virus it is believed that injury, a compromised immune system, stress, or an illness can be catalysts for it to manifest. In the beginning, you may have feelings similar to the flu with chills and achiness in certain areas of your body a few days prior to the virus erupting with a rash.  A headache that won’t let up is also common during this stage. The rash is the chickenpox rash, which will develop into blisters filled with fluid.  It is essential that you get medical treatment as soon as possible so that the right diagnosis and medicines are started quickly. This version of the varicella virus differs from that which you experienced as a child; this one is extremely painful. Some experience itching and some do not.  When this monster awakens it travels, usually on one side of your body, along nerves.  This does not mean all cases are identical as there are many cases where the virus travels all over the body.  A health care professional will prescribe an anti-viral medication and pain medication.  You may not be experiencing the pain when first diagnosed but you will and the pain medication is necessary.  The pain is debilitating! The nerve itself is inflamed and the pain can come even weeks after the rash appears. Managing the pain and preventing the rash from traveling will become a major focus.  The best advice for managing the rash is to keep it covered with powder, baking soda, baby powder or whatever you have. The powder helps to dry the eruptions.  You really don’t want to have much of that to deal with since the pain will have such a hold on you. Anything that touches the affected area can cause excruciating pain. One-third of the 99.5% of adults who carry the chickenpox virus in the U.S. will develop shingles and some will develop postherpetic neuralgia. (PHN)  This is pain after the rash is gone which can be intermittent or constant.  The pain is thought to be due to residual damage or inflammation in the nerve.  It is not possible to catch shingles. Zostavax is a vaccination to help prevent shingles in adults age 50 and older who have had chickenpox.  The vaccine does not guarantee against the disease, although it will reduce the severity of the condition and the risk of complications.  Most insurance do not cover the vaccine and currently it costs over $200.  If you have had chickenpox this might be something to consider and money well spent. Some 2015 Top Rated Drugstore Products Acure Moisturizer Night Cream – No parabens or silicones, perks skin with algae. Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream – Soothes with lavender oil, moisturizes. Origins Drink Up Moisturizer – Hydrates with apricot- kernel oil, mattifies T-zone with rice-bran oil. Simple Revitalize Eye Roll-On – Cucumber helps to depuff, vitamin C brightens. Burt’s Bees Brightening Cream – Daisy extract increases flavonoids and brightens sun spots. Aveeno Positively Radiant – Helps to fade brown patches with unfermented soy with retinol spot treatments. RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream – Slow released retinol for sensitive skin. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Stick Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 70 – Sunscreen for those who want maximum coverage without the goop, grease or stickiness. Alba Botanica Sport Spray SPF 40 – Broad spectrum without phthalates or parabens. Sandi’s Q & A Q:  What are some popular drug store skin care products that women use? A:  There are a few that remain consistent in sales, one of which is Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser. This product is favored for removing makeup.  Another cleanser often recommended by dermatologists is Cetaphil.  This product is so gentle that it can be used for all skin types. Q:  How can I prevent the skin on my face from becoming dull and scaly this winter? A:  Combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.  Mix well then apply a thin layer using light circular movement.  The sugar will exfoliate while the cinnamon will increase circulation.  Leave on for about 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Q:  I never seem to get contouring right. Is there a secret to it? A:  There are some simple rules that can help make you a pro.  First, don’t choose a palette with more than two colors.  The darker color should always be matte. Blend after each application then with a fluffy brush.  Go over the entire face to blend. You can use your fingers for creams and liquids but the correct brushes are necessary for powders. Flat-top brush – Use the side to apply contouring powder and the top to blend Angled brush – The slant will help you place your highlighter. Fluffy brush – This brush will help you get that professional airbrushed look. Use it for a final once-over. To be safe, check your work in natural light. Q:  I have been using a vitamin C serum but don’t see any difference.  What exactly should it do if it is working correctly? A:  Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  It also can reduce brown spots by inhibiting tyrosine, an enzyme that is necessary for melanin production.  The key is to check labels on products carefully to see that the vitamin C in the products you are purchasing are l-ascorbic acid, the only one that the skin absorbs. Q:  How can I get my makeup done in the least amount of time in the morning? A:  Makeup artist, Bobbi Brown, suggests that you can use the 5-product routine to accomplish your goal.  What you will need is concealer, foundation, lip/cheek stain, brow filler, and mascara. Views:]]>