Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a rash that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is reactivated in the skin. The shingles rash is blistering, painful, and is generally localized to a single area on one side of the body. Anyone who has had chickenpox, a primary VZV infection, can develop a shingles rash. The VZV remains in the nerves after the first infection and stays dormant until it is reactivated, causing the skin rash associated with shingles. Factors that can trigger reactivation of VZV include pressure on nerves, spinal surgery, infections, injuries, and contact with someone who has a primary VZV infection or herpes zoster. Shingles is characterized by a blistering rash that is confined along an area of skin that is innervated by a spinal nerve. Patients often feel significant pain with shingles, and the pain can start prior to a rash appearing.
What are complications?
Eye issues if the fifth cranial nerve is involved.
Deep blisters that can leave scars and take a long time to heal
Muscle weakness
Internal organ infections
Post-herpetic neuralgia or recurrence of pain the area affected by shingles
What is the treatment?
Topical medications: Topical capsaicin or anesthetic creams can be prescribed or recommended over the counter to ease symptoms of pain.
Oral medications: Oral antiviral treatments are prescribed to clear the reactivation of VZV. Oral pain medications to treat nerve pain can also be prescribed if necessary.
General measures:
Rest
Pain relief
If you have a painful rash that you suspect might be shingles, our dermatologists can evaluate you and work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
