Tag gutter cleaning

Erie Shingles is a painful rash that causes blisters. It can lead to serious complications, including long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia.

You can get shingles at any age, but it’s more common in people over 60. It’s also more likely if your immune system is weak due to medical conditions or medicines like steroids or chemotherapy.

Shingles (or herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox. After you get chickenpox as a child, the virus stays in a part of your nervous system called the dorsal root ganglia for the rest of your life. But sometimes, the virus reactivates and travels along nerve pathways to your skin, causing shingles. It’s most common in people over 50, but anyone who’s had chickenpox can later develop shingles.

When it happens, a shingles rash is a stripe of fluid-filled blisters that wraps around one side of your body or face. The most serious type of shingles is ophthalmic shingles, which can cause permanent vision loss if it occurs near the eye. Shingles around the eye are a medical emergency, and you should seek care immediately.

Signs of shingles include pain or a tingling feeling in a limited area of your body, usually on one side. This is followed by a red rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. The rash is most noticeable on your trunk but can appear on the face or legs. The blisters can be itchy but aren’t contagious.

Typically, a physical exam and your medical history are enough for your doctor to make the diagnosis. But they may swab your rash to collect fluid for laboratory testing. In addition, a simple blood test can show if you have the herpes zoster virus in your body.

You can also receive the herpes zoster vaccine (Shingrix) to help protect against shingles. The vaccine is recommended for adults over 50 who have had chickenpox or who carry the herpes zoster virus. It’s not a cure for shingles, but it can lessen the severity and length of symptoms and reduce your risk of complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

Because of the increased risk of complications, especially in people over 60, doctors recommend you get a shingles vaccine if you have a weakened immune system due to cancer, chemotherapy, AIDS or another illness. It’s also recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. You can find out if you are eligible for the vaccine by speaking to your healthcare provider.

Symptoms

The first signs of shingles are pain, tingling, or itching in a certain area of the skin. Then red blotches and fluid-filled blisters appear. These usually scab over within 7 to 10 days. The rash usually happens around the chest and abdomen, but it can be on the face or genitals. Pain often gets worse after the blisters appear. But the pain usually goes away a few weeks after the rash fades. Sometimes people develop a fever, headache, chills, and stomach upset. In rare cases, a person can have the pain of shingles without the rash. This is called herpes zoster nerve pain syndrome (HSNP).

If the rash is near the eyes, you may have problems with vision and hearing. In rare cases, herpes zoster can cause a complication that looks like brain inflammation (called encephalitis). You may also have a bacterial infection of the rash and blisters (called impetigo or cellulitis).

Shingles is most common in adults over 50. It’s also more likely to happen if your immune system is weak, because of illness, a medical condition such as cancer, or certain medications including corticosteroids. It’s also more likely to happen in children if the mother had shingles or chickenpox during pregnancy.

It’s important to get treatment right away. Your doctor will give you medicine to stop the virus from spreading and reduce your pain. You may also need to take antiviral medicines and pain relievers for a while. If you’re pregnant and get shingles, your doctor will talk to you about whether it’s safe for both you and your baby.

A vaccine is available to help prevent shingles and the painful complications that can occur from it. The CDC recommends that healthy adults over 50 get the vaccine, Shingrix. Ask your doctor if you can get the vaccine. If you do, you’ll get two doses of the vaccine at different times. It isn’t effective for kids under 19 years old. But it’s possible that the vaccine might work for older kids and adults who have a weakened immune system. This includes people with HIV infection or AIDS, transplant recipients, and those who have had chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Treatment

A vaccine against the varicella zoster virus can prevent or lessen shingles and related pain. Most people who get shingles have only one attack, but it can come back, especially in those with weakened immune systems. If you have a rash, cover it up to avoid spreading the virus to others. Home and over-the-counter treatments can help reduce the symptoms of shingles. These include cool compresses, calamine lotion and oatmeal baths. Pain relievers, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also be helpful. Getting treatment early can decrease the severity of symptoms and speed healing.

Usually, symptoms start with itching or tingling sensations in an area of skin on one side of the body. This is followed by redness of the skin and fluid-filled blisters that later scab over. A fever, chills and a general feeling of unwellness may also occur. Some people also experience a headache or a stomach upset.

Pain medicine, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs, can help with the pain of shingles. Your doctor can prescribe a stronger pain medication if necessary. Antiviral medications are important to take as soon as the rash appears. These include acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir). These medications help to shorten the illness and decrease how painful it is.

Other medicines, such as corticosteroids or steroid creams, can help reduce swelling and inflammation of the skin, but aren’t very effective in treating the pain of shingles. Lidocaine patches, available over-the-counter or by prescription, can reduce nerve pain for up to 12 hours. Capsaicin cream, which is applied directly to the rash, can also be used for pain. However, do not apply this cream near your eyes.

Some people with shingles develop a burning pain in the area where the rash was, called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is usually the worst in adults over 60 and can last for years after the rash has gone away. Medicine to treat PHN is very effective and can significantly reduce the intensity of the pain. Medications that work to block the pain signals in the brain, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), are the most common medications that are prescribed.

Prevention

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you’ve had chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus goes into your nerve tissues and stays there for the rest of your life — sometimes, years later, it “wakes up” and travels along the nerve fibers to your skin and causes shingles (also known as herpes zoster).

It’s most common in people over 50, but it can happen in any age group or any person who has a weakened immune system, such as from illness or chemotherapy.

The first symptoms of shingles are pain and burning, usually on one side of the body and along a particular area of skin called a dermatome. Then a rash appears, which can be red or dark pink depending on your skin tone. It’s more often seen on the back or chest, but you can get it anywhere else, even inside your mouth. The CDC says if you have shingles in your mouth, it can make eating painful or difficult and could affect your sense of taste.

Usually, the rash is small groups of fluid-filled blisters. The blisters will eventually dry up and form scabs, which clear within a few weeks. But the nerve pain that follows can last much longer, up to a year. This is known as postherpetic neuralgia and can be very severe.

You can’t avoid getting shingles, but you can protect yourself from complications by seeking treatment quickly. That’s especially important if you’re pregnant. There’s evidence that shingles can increase your risk of miscarriage, and the more painful and widespread your rash is, the more likely it is to cause serious complications, including permanent nerve damage.

There are antiviral drugs you can take to shorten the duration and severity of your shingles. And you can get a shingles vaccine. The CDC recommends all adults who’ve had chickenpox get two doses of the varicella vaccine, or a shingles vaccine approved by the FDA called Shingrix. You can also get the vaccine if you’re over the age of 50, and if you have a weakened immune system due to an illness or cancer treatment.

Gutter cleaning involves removing dirt, debris, and twigs that clog gutter systems. Professionals use a telescopic water-fed pole to spray away clogs and channel rainwater through downspouts.

Clogged gutters are breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes, rodents, birds, and fungi. Regular gutter cleaning eliminates these nesting areas and prevents them from thriving. Contact Gutter Cleaning Tampa now!

The cost of gutter cleaning varies widely by region, season, and the size and complexity of your home’s gutter system. Generally speaking, cleaning a single-story home’s gutters costs $0.40 to $1.00 per linear foot. The price rises with the addition of a second or third story as the service becomes more labor-intensive and dangerous. Likewise, the ease of access to your property’s gutters also influences costs. Gutters that are difficult to reach can require specialized equipment or safety gear, adding to the overall expense.

Gutter cleaning is an essential preventative measure, as clogged gutters can lead to water damage to your roof, soffits, fascia, and siding. The best way to avoid costly repairs is to invest in regular cleaning and maintenance services from a trusted professional.

The process is simple: a technician will lean a ladder against your house and manually remove any caked-on debris with a gutter scoop or brush. After removing any visible debris, the technician will flush out your gutters using high-pressure water or air to clear any remaining clogs and ensure your gutter system works properly. Depending on your chosen company, your gutter cleaning service may also include additional preventative measures like installing gutter guards that will reduce future build-up. It’s important to discuss your gutter cleaning service options with a company representative to understand exactly what you will be paying for and to see if they offer any discounts or annual plans. This will help you budget for your gutter cleaning needs and make the most of your investment. Some companies also offer a combination of gutter and roof cleaning, which can provide you with a significant discount.

Debris Removal

Gutter cleaning involves removing dirt, leaves, twigs and other debris from gutters. It significantly reduces the risk of water overflow that can damage a building’s roof and foundation. In addition, it also prevents pest infestation and keeps the gutters free-flowing to avoid clogging. Regular gutter maintenance is an important maintenance task for any homeowner.

A professional gutter cleaning service has the equipment and tools to perform the job safely and effectively. They have ladders of the proper style and height to work on a roof or gutter, and they use power washers that can remove even the most stubborn clogs. In addition, they will have a trained eye to catch budding problems with the gutter system and address them before they turn into major headaches.

If gutters are left untreated, they can become a fire hazard. Debris, especially dry leaves and twigs, can be highly combustible. This can be a major safety concern in high-rise buildings where fire is an issue. Gutter cleaning removes potential fire hazards and improves the aesthetics of the exterior of the building.

A newer gutter cleaning method involves using a vacuum to suck up the debris. This is much safer than working on a ladder and is a great option for people with back or knee issues. It is typically more expensive than other gutter cleaning methods, but it is the safest way to clear a clogged gutter. Other options include using a brush or an impeller. Both options can be effective in removing debris and clogs, but a brush is typically the most affordable option. An impeller is more expensive but can be effective in removing large pieces of debris and stubborn build-up.

Safety

When cleaning gutters, safety measures are a must. If not done correctly, this task can be dangerous for DIY homeowners. Ladder use is crucial, with the correct ladder positioning and a spotter essential to ensure stability. Ladder stabilizers and standoffs enhance safety even further, preventing the ladder from contacting the gutters, which can damage them and destabilize the ladder. Having a bucket or bag attached to the ladder to collect debris helps to keep the work area tidy and reduces the weight hanging from the ladder.

Working with a buddy is also a good idea when performing this task, as it can help to speed up the process and reduce physical strain on any one individual. It can also serve to provide moral support and encourage high safety standards, especially as fatigue sets in.

The weather is also important when cleaning gutters, as extreme cold or hot temperatures can affect performance and safety. Rain or wind can destabilize a ladder, while high winds can blow debris in your eyes and cause unexpected shifts in weight on the ladder. In addition, working in extreme weather can increase the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Gutter guards and screens are another option to consider, as they can prevent clogging by blocking leaves and other debris while leaving openings for water flow. However, they must be removed and cleaned periodically. If you’re interested in this option, be sure to research companies that offer these products and services; they should be bonded and insured for your protection. This is an important factor when hiring a company to work on your home, as it means they’ll be held liable for any damage caused during the cleaning process.

Prevents Water Damage

Gutters are designed to direct rainwater away from the roof and walls of the home. When they are clogged, it can cause water to overflow. This can damage the house’s structure and foundation. Regular gutter cleaning can prevent this from happening and protect the home.

Gutter cleaning also prevents pest infestation. The leaves, twigs, and debris that collect in the gutter can become nesting areas for pests such as birds, mice, rats, insects, and mosquitoes. These pests may carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. In addition, they can damage the roof of the house and degrade the gutter system. Regular gutter cleaning can eliminate these pests and keep them away from the house.

If the gutters are clogged, it can cause rainwater to overflow and damage the roof and foundation of the house. This can cause costly repairs. Clogged gutters can also lead to leaks in the basement and throughout the house. Regular gutter cleaning can prevent this from happening by ensuring that the water is channeled away from the house.

Performing DIY gutter cleaning can be dangerous, especially for those who do not have the proper ladder setup or experience. It can also void some roof warranties if the lower layer is damaged by lifting, manual removal, or clogging. Professional gutter cleaners have the right equipment and skills to perform the job safely and efficiently.

It is recommended that gutters are cleaned twice a year. Spring and autumn are the best times to do this, as it helps to prevent the growth of grass seeds from residual gutter sediment that is washed down with spring and autumnal showers. It also ensures that the gutters are ready for the winter season, when standing water can freeze and thaw causing the gutter joints to split and leak.

Aesthetics

Although clean concrete surfaces and gutters may seem like small details, they can significantly improve your home’s overall aesthetic. In addition, they play a pivotal role in enhancing curb appeal and creating a welcoming environment that reflects pride of ownership. With regular maintenance, these features can last for decades and remain attractive throughout their lifespan.

Clogged gutters are an ideal breeding ground for pest infestations, including mosquitoes and rodents. These insects are known to carry pathogens that can cause illnesses in people. They are also attracted to standing water and decomposing organic material found in clogged gutters, making them more likely to enter the home through open windows or damaged sections of the roof or walls.

Gutters that are filled with leaves, bugs, and other debris create a heavy, clogged mess that can cause major damage to your property. Overflowing rainwater from clogged gutters can cause roof leaks and deterioration of roofing materials, wood siding, fascia boards, and foundations. Regular maintenance and cleaning prevents these problems from occurring and ensures that your gutters channel rainwater safely away from the house.

In addition to being a health and safety hazard, climbing on a ladder to clean gutters can be dangerous if you’re not familiar with proper ladder setup and use. Ladder accidents are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits, and a fall from a ladder can result in severe injuries, even death. Therefore, if you’re not comfortable working at heights or have a fear of falling off of a ladder, you should consider hiring a professional to clean your gutters instead. With the right equipment, they’ll be able to clear out your gutters quickly and efficiently, so you can enjoy your home without any unnecessary hazards.