What is shingles? Causes and symptoms

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Imagine waking up with a strange tingling sensation on one side of your body, and by the afternoon, a painful rash has erupted in the same area. This might sound alarming, but it’s a common experience for those who develop shingles. Let’s explore in more detail what shingles are and how it could possibly impact you or a loved one. 

What is shingles?

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t go away; it retreats into your nerve tissues, lying dormant for years. For reasons not entirely understood, it can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles. Generally speaking, this disease manifests itself as a painful skin rash with blisters involving one side of the body or face. 

Shingles symptoms

Shingles symptoms often start subtly but can escalate quickly. Here’s what you might notice: 

• 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?

The most common cause of shingles is when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates. While the exact trigger for such a reactivation is not well understood, a number of factors exist which can increase the likelihood of an outbreak. 

• 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 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

Knowing the stages of shingles can help you identify and treat the condition more effectively: 

• 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

Though anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, the following factors raise the risk: 

• 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?

Most often, your physician can diagnose shingles by performing a physical exam to check the rash and reviewing your medical history. Your doctor can also scrape off samples of the tissue from your blisters and send them to the laboratory for testing. Early diagnosis is critical because then treatment of shingles is given. 

How is shingles treated?

There is no cure for shingles, but treatment can help ease symptoms and may reduce the risk of complications. Treatment would comprise the following: 

• 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?

The short answer is yes, to a degree. Far and away the best way of preventing shingles is vaccination: 

• 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 should see a health care provider immediately once you think you may have shingles, especially if: 

• 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 

Early treatment is the best method to decrease signs and prevent complications. 

Can you treat shingles via a telehealth doctor appointment?

Yes, telehealth visits can be highly convenient, especially for the initial visit and follow-up appointments. You are able to discuss your symptoms, receive a diagnosis, and get a prescription for antiviral medications without having to leave your home. Telehealth may prove particularly helpful if pain is limiting one’s ability to move or an individual desires to reduce exposure to other pathogens in a doctor’s office. 

Conclusion

Shingles might not be a friendly name, but knowing the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can have you handle it the right way. It’s important to note that early recognition is key, followed by prompt treatment. If you are over the age of 50 or if your immune system is compromised in any way, taking up immunisation is recommended as a measure of prevention. And always consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect you have shingles—early intervention can make a world of difference. Be informed, be healthy, do not be afraid to get medical advice when necessary. By being proactive and knowledgeable about shingles, you can better protect yourself and those around you from this painful condition.