Shingles
- Alex Courville, MD
- May 13
- 3 min read
When you hear the word “shingles” in healthcare, we’re not talking about the squares on your roof. This painful condition is not something most people forget once they’ve experienced it!
What is shingles?
This painful rash is a re-infection of the virus that causes Chickenpox – the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Once the virus reappears, it causes shingles (Herpes zoster).
Most often, shingles appears on one side of the body. It may hurt to touch, as the virus causes severe nerve inflammation.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
The symptoms of shingles may include:
Severe pain on one side of the body that doesn’t respond well to over-the-counter pain medications
A painful rash in the same area (which may appear up to a few days after pain begins)
Skin that “hurts to touch” due to nerve inflammation
Sometimes, early symptoms of shingles may be confused with a pulled muscle or a skin condition like dermatitis. If it feels unlike other pain you’ve experienced, though, it’s important to see your physician as soon as possible. Shingles requires immediate antiviral treatment, especially if it’s on or near the head or eyes.
Who is at risk of contracting shingles?
Anyone who previously had chickenpox can develop shingles. That risk applies to about 95% of American adults who had chickenpox prior to the release of the varicella vaccine in 1995.
Shingles is most common in patients older than 50, although we have seen an uptick in cases among younger patients in recent years.
Regardless of age, awareness is important for anyone who has had chickenpox or anyone who has not had the varicella vaccine (as mild cases of chickenpox can occur without a diagnosis).
How is shingles treated?
Seek treatment as soon as you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, even if you’re not sure. Shingles requires prompt treatment with antiviral medications.
Depending on the severity and location of your rash, your physician may also recommend other supportive measures, such as anti-inflammatory or pain medications.
Is shingles contagious?
It can be, and any spread primarily comes from direct contact with the rash. Some immunocompromised people may contract it through the air.
It’s important to note, though, that because shingles is a re-infection of the varicella-zoster virus, it doesn’t spread as shingles. Anyone who touches the rash and gets sick would likely develop chickenpox – the first manifestation of this virus.
To minimize the risk of spreading the virus, patients with active infections should cover the lesions, if possible.
The virus is no longer contagious once the rash has crusted over and is flat to the touch.
What complications may exist with shingles?
A variety of complications may occur with shingles, including:
Scarring at the site of the rash
Pain – Typically, pain lasts up to a few weeks after the rash fades. However, in some cases pain can persist for months or years.
Vision and/or hearing loss can occur when the shingles rash is on or near the head or face. These can be long-term. When the rash is in these areas, it's critical to begin anti-viral treatment as soon as possible.
Meningitis, while rare, occurs in some cases.
Can shingles be prevented?
Yes! There are two vaccines that can help patients of all ages prevent shingles.
A shingles vaccine is available for patients who previously had chickenpox. It is 96% effective at preventing shingles. If you’ve already had shingles, the vaccine can prevent it from coming back again.
The varicella vaccine is available for patients who have not yet had chickenpox. It is up to 98% effective at preventing chickenpox, and since its release it has reduced the number of chickenpox cases in the United States by 97%. If a patient never gets chickenpox, they’re unlikely to ever get shingles.
Ready to see a provider?
The board-certified providers at The Kinder Clinic are available to assess your needs and support your health. Click here to request an appointment, or call us at 337-738-2713.
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