Shingles

Shingles is a condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus does not leave your body when the red itchy spots of chickenpox go away. Instead, it becomes inactive in the nerve cells of your body. In some people the virus reactivates later in life and causes another rash. The time though instead of being itchy, the rash is usually painful. This condition is known as shingles, the medical term for it is herpes zoster.

The word 'shingles' is from the Latin word for belt or girdle. This name is very fitting since the rash from shingles most commonly forms a belt or band on one side of the trunk extending from the spine right around to the breastbone. In some people, the rash occurs on one side of the face instead of on the trunk.

The first sign of shingles is often a tingling or burning sensation in the skin. This sensation may become quite painful and be accompanied by fever and headache. The skin over the burning area then begins to redden and fluid-filled blisters develop after 2 or 3 days. The blisters continue to form until the rash reaches its peak in 3 to 7 days. Gradually, the blisters will break and form small ulcers which dry to form scabs. The scabs usually fall off in 2 to 3 weeks. When shingles is on the face blisters in the eye can cause permanent blindness and must be treated by a doctor.

About 10% of adults will get shingles. You can get shingles only if you have had chickenpox. Unlike chickenpox, you can't catch shingles from a person who has had it. However, a person who has never had chickenpox can catch chickenpox from coming into direct contact with the shingles rash.

No one knows what causes the chickenpox virus to reactivate and cause shingles in some people. It is more common in people over the age of 60, in children who had chickenpox before 1 year of age and in people who have a weakened immune system as a result of cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS or an organ transplant. People with weak immune systems are also prone to recurrent outbreaks of shingles. Shingles rarely recurs in healthy individuals.

In some people, the pain of shingles persists after the rash has gone. This condition is known as post-herpetic neuralgia and may last for several months or even years.

If you think you have shingles, see your doctor. Although shingles will usually clear up on its own, your doctor may be able to prescribe an antiviral medication such as acyclovir to help fight the infection. Antiviral medications are usually prescribed in combination with prednisone to treat shingles. These medications, when taken together, will help the rash to clear up faster and reduce your pain. However, for these medications to work, they must be started within 72 hours of the first appearance of symptoms. They will have no benefit if they are begun after that time.

Over the counter pain relievers, along with cool wet compresses and calamine lotion, may help to ease the pain from shingles. Soaking in a soothing bath such as colloidal oatmeal may also help. Ask your pharmacist to help you choose a suitable pain reliever or bath preparation.