Shingles: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A shingles rash appears red, dark pink, dark brown, or purplish, depending on your skin tone, and is caused by a viral infection. Shingles, which is also known as herpes zoster, usually occurs on one side of the body.
Varicella-zoster virus causes shingles, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your nervous system for years before reactivating. It can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, but it is more common and more severe in older adults and those with weak immune systems.
Symptoms of shingles
One of the first symptoms of shingles is usually pain, burning, or tingling along the dermatome of the affected side of the body. When the blisters break open and crust over, the rash usually clears up within 3 to 5 weeks, followed by a red rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. This rash may itch or feel sensitive to touch.
Some people may also experience other symptoms, such as:
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Fever
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Muscle weakness
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Sensitivity to light
Shingles can also affect your eyes, ears, or face, causing complications such as:
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Vision problems or eye damage
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Hearing loss or dizziness
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Loss of taste or facial paralysis
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Bacterial infection or skin infection
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Causes and risk factors of shingles
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in your nervous system. The reason why the virus reactivates is not fully understood, but it may be triggered by factors such as:
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Aging
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Stress
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Illness
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Injury
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Medications
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Surgery
Some people are more likely to develop shingles than others, such as:
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People who are 50 years or older
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People who have a weakened immune system due to cancer, HIV, organ transplant, or other conditions
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People who have not had the chickenpox vaccine or have not had chickenpox
Diagnosis and treatment of shingles
If you have shingles, your doctor will examine your skin and ask about your medical history. Fluid from blisters may also be tested for the virus.
It is impossible to cure shingles, but you can treat them to reduce the pain and speed up the healing process. To prevent complications, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. To relieve the discomfort, you may also need painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or topical creams.
In addition, you can try some home remedies to ease the symptoms, such as:
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Applying cold compresses or calamine lotion to the rash
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Taking oatmeal baths or using baking soda to soothe the itching
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Wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding scratching the blisters
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Keeping the affected area clean and dry to prevent infection
Prevention of shingles
The best way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated against the varicella-zoster virus. There are two types of vaccines available:
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The chickenpox vaccine, which protects you from getting chickenpox and reduces the risk of shingles later in life. It is recommended for children and adults who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine before.
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The shingles vaccine, which boosts your immunity against the virus and lowers the chance of shingles and its complications. It is recommended for adults who are 50 years or older, especially those who have had shingles before.
You can also reduce the risk of shingles by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as:
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Eating a balanced diet and taking vitamin supplements
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Getting enough sleep and managing stress
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Exercising regularly and staying fit
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Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
Complications of shingles
Shingles can cause serious and long-lasting complications, especially if left untreated or if it affects your eyes, ears, or face. Some of the possible complications are:
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Postherpetic neuralgia, which is a condition where the pain persists for months or years after the rash has healed. It can affect your quality of life and interfere with your daily activities.
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Eye problems, such as inflammation, infection, scarring, or vision loss. If you have shingles on or near your eye, you should see an eye doctor immediately to prevent permanent damage.
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Ear problems, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or facial paralysis. If you have shingles on or near your ear, you should see an ear doctor immediately to prevent permanent damage.
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Skin problems, such as scarring, discoloration, or infection. If you have shingles on your face, you should see a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon to improve the appearance of your skin.
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Neurological problems, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or stroke. These are rare but life-threatening complications that can affect your brain and nervous system.
If you have any of these complications, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Shingles and pregnancy
A pregnant woman suffering from shingles should see their doctor immediately to get the appropriate treatment to prevent complications. Shingles is not harmful to your unborn child, but it can be uncomfortable and stressful for you.
If you do not have chickenpox or the vaccine, you should avoid contact with anyone who has shingles or chickenpox. They can cause chickenpox, which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Chickenpox can result in birth defects, miscarriage, or premature delivery.
Pregnant women should get vaccinated against varicella-zoster before conceiving. This will prevent them from getting shingles or chickenpox in the future.
Shingles and hives
Although both shingles and hives cause itching and rashes, they have different causes and symptoms. Shingles are caused by viral infections, while hives are caused by allergic reactions. Shingles rash usually occurs on one side of the body, while hives rash can appear anywhere on the body. Shingle blisters are filled with fluid, while hives bumps are raised and red. Burning and tingling pain characterizes shingles, but stinging and prickling pain characterizes hives.
You should see your doctor if you are unsure whether you have shingles or hives.
