Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common infection of the nerves. It is caused by a virus. Shingles triggers a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, but it typically appears on only one side of the face or body.
Burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching are early signs of the infection. Even after the rash is gone, the pain can continue for months, even years. Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Shingles is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Other early symptoms of shingles may include:
The symptoms of shingles may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is shingles diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will do a complete physical exam and ask about your medical history, specifically about whether you have ever had chickenpox. Your healthcare provider will likely know right away that it is shingles based on the unique rash. The rash usually appears one area on one side of the body or face. It appears as red spots, small fluid- or pus-filled vesicles, or scabs. The healthcare provider may also take skin scrapings for testing. How is shingles treated?Specific treatment for shingles will be determined by your healthcare provider based on:
There is no cure for shingles. It simply has to run its course. Treatment focuses on pain relief. Painkillers may help relieve some of the pain. Antiviral drugs may help lessen some of the symptoms and reduce nerve damage. Other treatments may include:
What are the complications of shingles?Symptoms of shingles usually don’t last longer than 3 to 5 weeks. However, complications can happen. The main complications that can result from shingles include:
Can shingles be prevented?Two different vaccines are available to prevent shingles. Experts recommend vaccination for all adults 50 and older, even if you've had shingles before. Talk with your healthcare provider about the most appropriate time for you to get vaccinated, and which vaccine is best for you. When should I call my healthcare provider?To reduce the severity and shorten the length of the illness, treatment must be started as soon as possible. If you think you have shingles, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Key points about shingles
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
What are the first signs of having shingles?Symptoms. 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.. Will shingles go away if left untreated?There is no cure for shingles. It simply has to run its course. Treatment focuses on pain relief. Painkillers may help relieve some of the pain.
What does a mild case of shingles look like?This rash consists of fluid-filled blisters that worsen quickly. The blisters may look like chickenpox, but they are clustered together. The shingles rash can vary in color, depending on your skin tone. On darker skin, the rash may be pink, grayish, dark brown, or even purple.
Where does shingles usually begin?After about 1 to 5 days, a shingles rash will appear on one side of the body, often in a single characteristic band around one side of the torso or face. The painful rash will then form itchy or burning blister-like sores filled with a clear fluid.
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