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Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. The virus lies dormant within the nerve cells near the spine, and may reawaken later on if a person develops a weak immune system. The name herpes zoster is Greek for “to creep” herpes) and “girdle” (zoster). The term shingles” is derived from the Latin word “cingulum,“ which means “a belt.” This disease was given this name because of the fact that it is characterized by a painful rash, usually on just one side of the body.
An outbreak of shingles typically begins with a tingling or severe pain, itching, or numbness under the skin. Several days later, a rash of blisters develops in a girdle or belt around the waist, back, or chest. Occasionally, the rash develops on the face and can quickly spread to the eyes if not treated immediately. A fever, headache, and fatigue often accompany shingles. The blisters are filled with fluid, and will break open and scab over, thus beginning the healing process, which usually takes a few weeks.
Shingles can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox in the past. It is estimated that approximately 20% of everyone who has had chickenpox will develop shingles at some point in their life, although it is most likely to occur in people over the age of 50.
Like other herpes viruses, the varicella-zoster virus has an initial stage in which it is infectious (chicken pox), followed by a dormant stage herpes zoster). Then, with no warning, the virus becomes active again. About 20% of people who have had chickenpox will eventually develop shingles. This reactivation of the virus is most likely to occur in people with a weakened immune system. This includes people with HIV disease, and anyone over 50 years old.
Can Shingles be transmitted?
Shingles itself cannot be transmitted to others, but can spread the chickenpox virus to anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox before. It can be contracted from exposure to shingles blisters and the fluid that they produce. It is important for anyone with shingles to avoid unnecessary contact with someone who might be susceptible to chickenpox.
What is the treatment for herpes zoster shingles?
Herpes zoster shingles) is usually treated with medications such as vlacyclovir or acyclovir that are administered at the beginning of a shingles outbreak. Pain medications or nerve blockers are often prescribed as well, along with ointments to soothe itching and/or burning. In some cases, medications that are normally used to treat diseases such as epilepsy and depression are prescribed for patients suffering pain from shingles.
Other things that may help:
Wear loose clothing to let sensitive skin breathe a little.
Get some rest and relax - stress can sometimes aggravate the condition.
Try to avoid putting too many ointments and salves on the rash. It’s possible to over treat it, and cause it to become infected.
Don’t scratch the blisters. --- This increases the risk of infection and can cause scars.
There is currently no prevention for shingles, and little that can be done to predict if and when an outbreak might occur. Researchers have determined that administering a stronger form of chicken pox vaccine to older people may help to keep the virus from reappearing later in life, but they have not yet
It is rare for shingles to reappear. Much like the initial chickenpox virus, shingles is unlikely to strike again after the first attack, and renders the person immune to the virus.
What are possible complications?
If a person scratches their blisters too much, it might cause an infection, which can then spread to other parts of the body. It can also cause scars, much like the ones left by chickenpox. There is also the possibility of developing post-herpetic neuralgia, which is a condition in which the pain from shingles continues for months and sometimes years after the other symptoms of shingles are gone. This condition is most prevalent in older patients, and can often be very severe.
If herpes zoster spreads to the facial nerves, it can cause what is known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which may cause intense pain in the ear, and a rash may appear on the face, outer ear, ear canal, mouth, scalp, and neck. The result may be paralysis of the face and hearing loss, although both are usually temporary.
Eye infection is also a common concern with herpes zoster shingles), as the virus can cause severe damage to the ophthalmic nerve and cause blindness which may or may not be temporary.