Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a viral infection that causes blisters and a painful rash on the skin. Viruses like varicella-zoster cause chickenpox and can remain dormant in your nervous system for years after you have had chickenpox, only to reactivate later in life, causing shingles.
The exact reason why the varicella-zoster virus reactivates is not fully understood, but it may be related to factors such as aging, stress, illness, trauma, or a weakened immune system. The risk of developing shingles increases as you grow older. One in three people in the United States will experience shingles at some point in their lives.
One of the most common symptoms of shingles is itching, burning, or tingling on one side of the body, usually along a dermatome, a specific area of your skin. Then you get a rash of blisters along the same side of your body that appears as a red rash. It can occur anywhere on your body, but it is most common on your chest, abdomen, back, neck, or face. The rash may last for two to four weeks and can be very painful.
Other symptoms of shingles may include:
Fever
Chills
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Nausea
Some people may experience complications from shingles, such as:
Postherpetic neuralgia, a condition where the pain persists for months or years after the rash heals
Eye problems, such as inflammation, infection, or vision loss, if the rash involves the eye or the area around it
Hearing problems, dizziness, or loss of taste, if the rash affects the ear or the facial nerve
Bacterial infection, if the blisters become infected with bacteria
Brain inflammation, or encephalitis, in rare cases
A physical examination of your rash and a review of your medical history are usually used to diagnose shingles. Your doctor may also test your blister fluid for the presence of the virus in order to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of the rash.
There is no cure for shingles, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms and prevent complications. These include:
Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, that can reduce the severity and duration of the rash and lower the risk of postherpetic neuralgia
Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or prescription opioids, that can help ease the pain and inflammation
Topical creams, such as capsaicin, lidocaine, or calamine, that can soothe the itching and burning of the rash
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, that can help with the itching and allergic reactions
Antibiotics, if the blisters become infected with bacteria
The best way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated against the varicella-zoster virus. There are two vaccines available:
The chickenpox vaccine, which is recommended for children and adults who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine before. It can protect you from getting chickenpox and reduce the risk of shingles later in life.
The shingles vaccine, which is recommended for adults over the age of 50, regardless of whether they have had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine before. It can boost your immunity to the virus and lower the chance of getting shingles or having severe complications.
You can also reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others by:
Covering the rash with a bandage or clothing
Washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching the rash
Avoiding contact with people who have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have never had chickenpox or the vaccine
