Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. This article provides comprehensive information about shingles, including its symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment, and complications.
When Lisa Mangini experienced some mild itching on her chest and right shoulder, she initially dismissed it. However, the next day, raised pink welts appeared, accompanied by pain that she likened to glass shards in her skin. While she suspected shingles based on accounts from others who had suffered from the infection, she talked herself out of seeking immediate medical attention. 'I was under the impression that only older adults got shingles,' says Mangini, who was 37 at the time.
The rash spread, but it remained confined to one side of her back and chest—a characteristic sign of shingles—leading her to visit the doctor two days later. They diagnosed her with the infection and prescribed an antiviral medication. The initial few days were manageable, but the pain subsequently escalated. 'It was agonizing,' she recalls. 'People describe shingles as a rash, but it's so much more than that. Showering hurt. Wearing clothes hurt. I hadn't used any of the prescription-strength ibuprofen they sent me home with after having my nine-month-old, and I went through all of it managing shingles. It was the only thing that helped. I know you're not supposed to use medications other than how they're prescribed, but I was so desperate.' Although Mangini was surprised by her diagnosis, she learned that both her physician and her son's pediatrician had experienced shingles in their late 30s or early 40s. They are in the minority, but individuals of any age can be affected, even children. Here's what you need to know about the infection so you can recognize the symptoms and navigate treatment if it ever affects you or a loved one. If you've ever had chickenpox, you can get shingles—so don't overlook potential symptoms. Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is an infection that causes a painful rash. It can appear anywhere on the body and resembles a stripe of pinpoint, clustered, red blisters. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Consequently, anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. Although chickenpox blisters fade, the virus that causes them remains dormant in your spinal cord indefinitely, explains Neha Vyas, MD, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic. Generally, this is harmless. But if your immunity is compromised at some point, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. Unfortunately, this can happen more than once. About 10% of people with shingles go on to develop another shingles infection. Getting shingles—and a subsequent recurrence—is more likely to happen as we age because our immune response weakens with time, explains Richard Wender, MD, chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. 'If the chickenpox virus re-emerges, our bodies are less effective at defeating the virus,' he says. This is one of the primary reasons that the herpes zoster virus is three to four times more common in people over 65 than in younger adults. Still, individuals of all ages—even children—can get shingles. For younger people, risk factors for the infection include anything that weakens your immune system, such as having an autoimmune or chronic condition or taking steroids or other immune-suppressing medications. Emotional stress may also affect immunity, making you more susceptible to viruses in general, including varicella-zoster. Shingles symptoms tend to be mild at the outset but worsen over time. Although many people associate shingles with a painful rash, other symptoms can emerge before the blisters appear. For about two days before blisters develop, you may experience: Pain, burning, itching, or tingling sensations on your skin Headache Sensitivity to light Malaise, which is a general feeling of discomfort During the second phase of symptoms, a blistery rash forms, often on one side of the face or body. 'Since the virus lives in the nerve root, the rash roughly follows the path that a single nerve will travel,' Dr. Wender explains. Over time, the blisters burst, ooze, and scab over. This phase lasts about two to four weeks and is incredibly painful. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends washing shingles rashes with a fragrance-free cleanser, coating them with pure petroleum jelly, and covering them with a clean, nonstick bandage daily until the blisters are completely healed. After touching your rash, wash your hands to minimize the risk of spreading it to others. During this time, it's also crucial to keep your rash covered with loose-fitting clothing and not pop the blisters, Dr. Vyas advises. The fluid inside the blister can spread the herpes zoster virus, which could trigger chickenpox in individuals who haven't been vaccinated or had it. Shingles complications are rare but quite serious. Although it can be unsettling to hear, it's important to know that in some cases, shingles pain persists for months or even years. However, this is quite uncommon
Shingles Herpes Zoster Chickenpox Rash Pain Symptoms Treatment Complications Risk Factors
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