Definition

Shingles is a painful infection of the nerves and skin.

Causes

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox in their lifetime. After causing the first chickenpox infection, the virus is not totally eliminated from the body. Some of the remaining virus settles in nerve roots near the spinal cord. When reactivated, the virus travels along nerve paths to the skin where it causes pain and a rash.

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Risk Factors

Shingles is more common in women, and in people aged 50 years and older. Other factors that may increase the chances of shingles include:

• Altered or compromised immune system, caused by medical condition, such as HIV infection, lymphoma, or leukemia
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus
• Radiation therapy

Shingles can occur in those with no known risk factors.

Shingles is not usually transmitted from one person to another, but a person who has never had chickenpox and never received the varicella vaccine is likely to get chickenpox if contact occurs with a person who has shingles. Covering shingles sores with a bandage reduces the risk of transmitting shingles to others.

Symptoms

Shingles may cause:

• Rash:
  • Red and has a slightly raised band or patch, often with multiple small fluid-filled blisters that dry out and crust within several days
  • Develops on one side of the body, but typically does not cross the midline
  • Affects mostly the torso and face
• The eyes to be affected, in severe cases, which can threaten vision
• Sensitivity and pain on the skin at the site of the rash—pain may be severe and persist after the rash is gone
• Tingling or itchiness on the skin, which may start a few days before the rash
• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness

The rash usually disappears within 3 weeks. In some cases, though, post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) develops. With PHN, the pain continues for months or even years after the rash has healed. PHN can be severe and difficult to treat.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The rash can be diagnosed by its appearance. Fluids may be drawn from the blisters for testing, but this is not done often.

Treatment

Shingles cannot be cured. Treatment focuses on:

• Easing symptoms
• Speeding recovery
• Preventing PHN

Prevention

There are now 2 vaccines that are used to reduce the risk of shingles and the severity of PHN if shingles occurs. The live HSV is advised for people 60 years and older. It is a single dose vaccine used in adults with healthy immune systems. The dead virus is a 2-shot series, which may be given 2-6 months apart starting at age 50 years old. Talk to your insurance company and doctor about your options.

If you do have shingles, take these steps to prevent giving chickenpox to others:

• Keep all blisters covered with a bandage until they are dry and crusted over.
• If you are a healthcare worker, do not return to work until the blisters are dry and crusted over.
• Avoid contact with people who are at risk of getting severe varicella, such as:
  • Pregnant women
  • Premature infants
  • People who have a compromised immune system