Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While most people associate it with a childhood illness, it can occur at any age, often later in life. This blog will discuss shingles, including its symptoms, causes, and when to seek medical attention.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the same microbe responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in the nervous system before reactivating later in life as shingles.
The condition includes a painful, burning red skin rash, often appearing as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body, commonly on the torso, neck, or face. In most people, shingles go away in three to five weeks.
The initial shingles symptoms typically include pain and burning along a specific area of the skin, known as a dermatome. A red rash follows and may vary in color depending on skin tone. It can appear as dark pink, dark brown, or purplish.
Other common symptoms include:
- Itchiness
- Fluid-filled blisters that break easily
- A burning sensation
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
Without treatments, complications can arise, such as:
- Rash or pain involving the eyes can lead to loss of vision
- Intense pain in one ear
- Severe bacterial skin infections
Shingles can occur in different body areas, including the face, mouth, scalp, eyes, back, and buttocks, presenting unique challenges and potential complications.
Stages of Shingles
The stages of shingles progress from initial tingling, burning, numbness, and itching to developing a red rash with fluid-filled blisters within five days. After about ten days, the blisters dry up and form scabs, which clear up in a few weeks. However, some individuals may experience pain even after the rash has disappeared, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia.
Causes of Shingles
Shingles develops due to reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Individuals who have had chickenpox are at risk of developing shingles later in life. The reason for the virus’s reactivation is not fully understood, but some factors can put individuals at risk:
- Aging (like being 50 or older) due to lower immunity
- Emotional stress
- Medications that weaken your immune system, such as steroids or drugs used following organ transplantation
- Certain medical treatments like surgeries, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy
- Some medical conditions that weaken your immunity, like HIV or cancer
- Previous experience with shingles
Could Someone Give You Shingles?
Shingles is not contagious, but the varicella-zoster virus can be transmitted to individuals who haven’t experienced chickenpox or received the vaccine, causing them to develop the disease. Transmission usually occurs through direct contact with oozing blisters. So, to prevent this, keep the rash clean and covered and avoid contact with at-risk individuals, especially pregnant women or individuals with weakened immune systems.
When to Contact a Doctor?
If you suspect shingles, seek medical attention quickly, especially if you are more susceptible to developing the condition. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends consulting a healthcare professional within three days to avoid potential long-term complications. If shingles symptoms persist beyond ten days or worsen, contacting a doctor for a follow-up appointment and reassessment is advisable.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with shingles is essential for early detection and effective management of this viral infection. Seek timely medical attention and take precautions to minimize complications and promote a quick recovery.