What is shingles? Causes and symptoms

What is shingles?

Shingles symptoms

• Early symptoms: You may experience pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in an area. In general, the rash occurs a few days after these symptoms. 
• The rash: A rash of raised red spots will begin to appear in the affected area. It can be nearly any shape but is more commonly in a band or strip on one side of the body. This is due to the way the virus moves along the nerves. 
• Blisters: The rash will end up with fluid-filled blisters that will break open and then form crusts. This can be very painful. 
• Other symptoms: Some people also experience a fever, headache, sensitivity to light, and fatigue. 

What causes shingles?

• Age: Shingles is more common in older adults, and especially in those over fifty years old. As we age, it's common for our immune system to naturally weaken, making it increasingly possible for dormant diseases to reappear. 
• Weakened immune system: Conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, and organ transplants, can increase one's risk of shingles. 
• Stress: High levels of stress can impact your immune system's ability to keep the virus in check. 

Shingles stages

• Prodromal stage: This first stage consists of the early symptoms of itching, tingling, or pain. You may also feel achy and feverish. 
• Active stage: This is when a rash appears, and it's generally very painful. The rash will start out with red splotches and eventually develop into blisters, which will eventually burst, crust over, and scab. 
• Healing stage: The scabs heal slowly, and the pain reduces. This stage may last for several weeks, and sometimes residual pain referred to as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) may continue for a number of months up to years. 

Risk factors and complications of shingles

• Age: Being over 50 significantly raises your risk. 
• Weakened immune system: Illness or medications may lead to a weakened immune system. 
• Medications and treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation, and some that reduce the ability of the immune system to function. 

Possible complications 

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): This is the most common complication. PHN is a form of nerve pain that lasts for an extended period of time, long after the rash has healed. 
• Loss of vision: If shingles occurs in or near the eye, it may cause serious eye infections or result in permanent loss of vision. 
• Nerve related complications: Shingles may cause encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, facial paralysis, or hearing loss if nerves responsible for these functions are involved. 
• Skin infections: Infection may develop in open blisters if the blisters are not cared for properly. 

How is shingles diagnosed?

How is shingles treated?

• Antiviral medications: These are preparatory drug types like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir and can speed healing while lowering any further complications if taken within the seventy-two hours after rashes have begun to materialise. 
• Pain relief: Mild pain could be relieved with OTC medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers or topical ointments. 
• Corticosteroids: Sometimes, corticosteroids have the effect of decreasing inflammation or pain. 
• Cool compresses and calamine lotion: These can soothe and decrease itching and soreness. 

Can shingles be prevented?

• Shingrix: This is the vaccine recommended for protection against shingles and is available for adults 50 years and older. It is a 2-dose vaccine that is over 90% effective at reducing the risk of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. 

When should I see my doctor?

• You have pain with the rash happening on your face, especially if close to your eyes 
• The rash occurs on more than one part of the body 
• Your pain is severe, or the rash isn't healing 

Can you treat shingles via a telehealth doctor appointment?

Conclusion