Shingles: An Introduction to the Condition

What is Shingles?

  

A great informational overview from the National Institutes of Health

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the chickenpox virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, after an individual has the chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue near the spinal cord or brain. The virus may then reactivate as shingles. 

The exact cause of what causes the virus to reactivate is not known, but some people do have an increased risk of shingles. These people include those with medical conditions that weaken immune systems such as certain cancers and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Immunosuppressive drugs include steroids and medication given post-organ transplantation can also increase the risk of shingles.

Although anyone who has had chickenpox may develop shingles, the CDC notes that about half of all cases occur in men and women aged 60 years old and up. For this reason, the information throughout this blog will be targeted for this age group.

        Shingles rash graphic

 

Is Shingles Contagious?

Shingles cannot be spread from person to person, but the chickenpox virus can be passed from a person with active shingles to another who has never had chickenpox. The virus is spread through direct contact with fluid from the rash blisters of shingles. The exposed individual may develop chickenpox but they would not develop shingles.

  
                                  

  What are the Symptoms?

 Shingles can appear on either side of the body

Shingles can occur in a single episode, but some individuals may experience shingles on multiple occasions. Shingles is characterized by a painful rash that can occur on either side of the body or face. The rash most commonly occurs in a single stripe. Although it is rare, the shingles rash may appear all over the body like the chickenpox rash.

Anywhere from 1-5 days before the rash develops, people may experience pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. The rash forms blisters, which dry and heal in about 7-10 days. The scabbed over blisters clear up within 2-4 weeks.

Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills, and nausea. 

The following image contains graphic images: Shingles Symptoms

 

What are the Effects of Shingles?

PHN can occur in areas where the rash was present

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is pain from shingles that last for months. The pain occurs where the shingles rash was present. This pain can interfere with basic life activities and can cause serious depression. PHN is common in people over the age of 60. 

Vision and hearing problems or loss can result when shingles outbreaks occur on the face. Scarring can also occur if open sores are exposed to bacteria and become infected. In rare cases, bacteria in open sores can lead to serious conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, which destroys the soft tissue under the skin.

 Shingles, in most cases, will go away without complications. Individuals with immune deficiency can experience more severe rashes, and the illness can be complicated by pneumonia. Shingles in these cases are more serious, but are infrequently fatal. 

  

 

 What are the Treatment Options?

Vaccination can help prevent shingles from occurring!

Antiviral medicines can help shorten the length and severity of shingles. It is important to note that the medicines must be started soon after the rash appears. If you feel that you may have shingles, call your healthcare provider right away to discuss treatment options! Pain medication, or analgesics, can help lessen the pain from shingles. 

Fortunately, there is a shingles vaccine and antiviral treatment available to treat and prevent shingles. It is recommended by the CDC that those aged 60 years and older get one dose of shingles vaccine. The vaccine is also approved for those age 50 years and older, but there is no current recommendation for its routine use in the 50-59 year age group.

This is a great information sheet regarding vaccination: CDC Shingles Information Series 

References

Shingles. (n.d.). Definition. Retrieved September 24, 2014, from

     http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/basics/definition

     /con-20019574

Shingles. (n.d.). NIHSeniorHealth:. Retrieved September 24, 2014, from 

     http://nihseniorhealth.gov/shingles/aboutshingles/01.html

Shingles center: symptoms, shingles rash pictures, vaccine, medication, causes, and tests. 

     (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/skin-

     problems-and-treatments/shingles/

Overview. (2014, September 17). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 

     September 23, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/overview.html