Shingles (or Herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The most prominent symptoms are a red rash and blisters, along with a burning pain in the affected area.
Shingles can occur in people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults and people with immune system problems . The disease is curable, and early treatment by a doctor can reduce the risk of complications.
Causes of Shingles
Shingles is caused by infection with the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Chickenpox can happen to anyone, but shingles only occurs in people who have had chickenpox before .
When the pathogen attacks the body and causes chickenpox, the virus will go to the nerve ganglia and later turn into shingles when the immune system is lower than normal. People who are at risk of shingles include the elderly, people with immune system problems, people who are taking steroids, and people who are receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy because these groups of people have weaker immune systems than normal people, making them more at risk than the general population.
Symptoms of Shingles
The signs of shingles usually start in a small area on one side of the body before spreading to other areas on the same side of the body. In the first stage or incubation period, patients may have a headache and fever , followed by a burning pain in the skin. Some people may also experience numbness. When touched with hands, it feels painful.
After about a week, the painful area will develop a red rash that quickly turns into blisters. The blisters may appear in groups or in long lines along a nerve. The blisters then burst and scab over. It takes about 2 to 6 weeks for the rash to heal completely. The most common areas for shingles rash are the chest and one side of the waist. Sometimes, the rash can also appear on the face, neck, or inside the eyes.
After the skin symptoms disappear, some patients may not have any skin symptoms, but the heart, lungs, and kidneys may be affected due to the virus destroying the nerves, but this is a rare case.
Shingles symptoms that require a visit to a doctor
You should see a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of shingles or have risk factors that may be dangerous, such as:
- Pain or a rash near the eye
- Age 50 years and above
- Your family or yourself has a weak immune system.
- Shingles symptoms are severe.
Diagnosis of Shingles
The doctor will ask about your history of chickenpox and examine you for rashes and blisters on your body. Laboratory tests may be ordered to take tissue or fluid from the blisters for further testing to diagnose and treat.
Shingles treatment
Doctors will treat the symptoms along with antiviral medications if shingles symptoms appear within 72 hours to speed up the healing process and prevent complications. Doctors may also prescribe pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants , and certain topical medications to help relieve the severe pain caused by shingles.
After the skin symptoms have disappeared, there may still be ongoing pain, which is a common symptom after shingles. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to treat nerve pain.
Complications of Shingles
Because the virus that causes shingles can spread through the body’s nerves, complications can range from loss of vision due to corneal ulcers, skin infections, pain in the nerve endings, or neurological and nerve problems such as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
Some cases can be severe enough to cause meningitis or encephalitis. Although this is rare in shingles patients, it is life-threatening. However, prompt treatment can reduce the risk of complications.
Shingles Prevention
Shingles can be prevented by not letting the body come into contact with or get the virus that causes it in the first place. If you have never had chickenpox before, you should avoid contact with the virus and always take care of your health to prevent your immune system from being weak enough to allow the virus to attack your body. Or get vaccinated to prevent the disease.
