Feb. 2, 2023 | One out of every three people in the United States will endure the painful skin rash shingles at some point in their life. Also known as herpes zoster, shingles often begins with a burning or tingling pain or sometimes a numbness or itch on one side of the body. The pain associated with shingles can be mild or severe, with even the gentlest touch causing intense discomfort. Most people who have shingles only have one episode during their lifetime although some have a second and even a third episode. Anyone, even children, can get shingles although half of all cases occur in people over the age of 60. Unfortunately, the pain can last for months and even years and there is no cure for it. As people get older, they are more likely to develop long-term pain as a complication of shingles and the pain is likely to be more severe. In rare cases, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness and even death.

Feb. 2, 2023 | Shingles, known clinically as herpes zoster, is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in seven to 10 days. The rash usually clears up within two to four weeks. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, the varicella-zoster virus. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles. Research scientists think that some of the virus particles from the original exposure to the varicella-zoster virus leave the skin blisters and move into the nervous system. When the varicella-zoster virus reactivates, the virus moves back down the long nerve fibers that extend from the sensory cell bodies to the skin. The viruses multiply, the tell-tale rash erupts, and the person now has shingles. Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another but the varicella-zoster virus can spread from one person with shingles to cause chicken pox in someone else.

Feb. 2, 2023 | A person with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to anyone who isn’t immune to chicken pox. This usually occurs through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. Once infected, the person will develop chicken pox, however, not shingles. Chicken pox can be dangerous for some people, however. Until your shingles blisters scab over, you are contagious and should avoid contact with anyone who hasn’t yet had chicken pox or the chicken pox vaccine, especially people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns. Even after the rash clears up, people often suffer from a condition called post-herpetic neuralgia, or PHN. The pain from PHN may be severe and debilitating, but it usually resolves in a few weeks or months. Some people can have pain from PHN for many years and can interfere with daily life. As people get older, they are more likely to develop PHN, and the pain is more likely to be severe.

Feb. 2, 2023 | There is no cure for shingles, but attacks can be made less severe and shorter by using prescription antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famcyclovir as soon as possible after symptoms begin. Early treatment can reduce or prevent severe pain and help blisters dry faster. Your physician will recommend starting antiviral drugs at the first sign of the shingles rash, or if the telltale symptoms indicate that a rash is about to erupt. Other treatments to consider are anti-inflammatory corticosteroids such as prednisone. These are routinely used when the eye or other facial nerves are affected. People with shingles should also try to relax and reduce stress as stress can make pain worse and lead to depression. Placing a cool, damp wash cloth on the blisters, but not when wearing a topical cream or patch, can help blisters dry faster and relieve pain. And keeping the area clean can help avoid a secondary bacterial infection.

Feb. 2, 2023 | The best way to protect yourself from getting the painful skin rash known as shingles is to get a one-time dose of the shingles vaccine. People who have already had shingles or who have a chronic medical condition can still get the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get the vaccine once they turn 60, when the risk of shingles and its complications is the highest. Some people experience mild reactions that last up to a few days, such as a headache, swelling or itching where the shot was given. While you may still get shingles despite being vaccinated, the vaccine will reduce the severity and duration of the condition. The shingles vaccine is safe for you unless you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have allergies to certain components of the vaccine. It is safe for people taking most prescription medications to get this vaccine, but ask your health-care provider if you have any questions.