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Shingles
Medical Questions » Shingles
| Name: Shingles |
| Also known as: Herpes Zoster; Varicella |
| An infection of nerves and skin by the Herpes zoster virus. |
Causes of Shingles
Shingles is caused by the Herpes zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox, and is usually caught as a child. The virus never leaves the body, but migrates to the roots of nerves along the spinal cord, where it remains inactive lifelong. At times of stress, the virus may reactivate and move along the nerve to cause the skin and other tissues to become very painful. Far more common in older people, and uncommon in children. You cannot catch shingles from another person, but a child who has not had chickenpox may catch this from a person who has active shingles. |
Symptoms of Shingles
An acutely tender blistering rash occurs, often in a belt-like line on one side of the body. Even the slightest touch causes severe shooting pain. Any nerve may be affected, and it can occur on the abdomen or chest (most common sites), or on the face or legs. |
Tests for Shingles
None normally necessary, but if required the diagnosis can be confirmed by taking special swabs from a sore. |
Treatment for Shingles
Shingles can be cured by specific antiviral tablets, but only if treatment is started within 72 hours of the rash first appearing. If treatment is neglected until after three days from the onset of the rash, the only treatment is pain-killers, drying antiseptic lotions and mild sedatives. Steroids may be used in severe cases.
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Complications of Shingles of its treatment
Occasionally leaves permanent scars, particularly on the face. A small number of elderly people can develop chronic inflammation in the nerve, and pain that persists for years (post-herpetic neuralgia). The worst complication occurs if nerves around the eye and ear are involved, when dizziness, ear noises and rarely blindness may occur. |
Likely Outcome of Shingles
The rash dries out slowly and disappears over several weeks, usually healing completely. The pain is slower to disappear, and may last a month longer than the rash. The vast majority of patients make an excellent recovery. |
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