2023-03-26T06:30:04
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Shingles can occur anywhere on your body. It typically looks like a single stripe of blisters that wraps around the left side or the right side of your torso. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles. Shingles isn't life-threatening. But it can be very painful. Vaccines can help lower the risk of shingles. Early treatment may shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia. This is a painful condition that causes shingles pain for a long time after your blisters have cleared. Symptoms Shingles symptoms usually affect only a small section on one side of your body. These symptoms may include: Pain, burning or tingling Sensitivity to touch A red rash that begins a few days after the pain Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over Itching Some people also experience: Fever Headache Sensitivity to light Fatigue Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles. For some people, the pain can be intense. Depending on the location of the pain, it can sometimes be mistaken for problems with the heart, lungs or kidneys. Some people experience shingles pain without ever developing the rash. Most commonly, the shingles rash develops as a stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of the torso. Sometimes the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face. When to see a doctor Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect shingles, especially in the following situations: The pain and rash occur near an eye. If left untreated, this infection may lead to permanent eye damage. You're 50 or older. Age increases your risk of complications. You or someone in your family has a weakened immune system. This may be due to cancer, medications or chronic illness. The rash is widespread and painful. Treatment There's no cure for shingles. Early treatment with prescription antiviral drugs may speed healing and lower your risk of complications. These drugs include: Acyclovir (Zovirax) Famciclovir Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe: Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza) Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, in the form of a cream, gel, spray or skin patch An injection including corticosteroids and local anesthetics Shingles generally lasts between 2 and 6 weeks. Most people get shingles only once. But it's possible to get it two or more times