Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the nervous system for years and reactivate later in life, causing shingles.
The main symptom of shingles is a rash that usually appears as a band or strip of red, blistering skin. It typically affects one side of the body, most commonly the torso or face. The rash is usually accompanied by pain, itching, tingling, or a burning sensation. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light.
Shingles is contagious, but it does not spread through casual contact. Direct contact with the rash can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to individuals who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, causing them to develop chickenpox rather than shingles.
The risk of developing shingles increases with age and in individuals with weakened immune systems. There is no cure for shingles, but antiviral medications can help shorten the duration of the infection and reduce the severity of symptoms. Pain medications, antiviral creams, and cool compresses may also be used to manage the discomfort.
To prevent shingles, a vaccine called Shingrix is available for adults aged 50 and older. It is highly effective in reducing the risk of developing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles characterized by persistent pain after the rash has healed.
The treatment of shingles typically involves a combination of antiviral medications, pain management, and self-care measures. Here are some commonly used approaches: