Shingles

Overview

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a virus that causes painful and concentrated skin rashes with blisters. Oftentimes, these blisters and rashes follow a stripe pattern. The rash occurs as a result of the varicella zoster virus, which is also known as the chickenpox. When the varicella zoster virus infects and stays active within the nerve cells, herpes zoster can develop. It may take years or even decades for patients to show shingles symptoms. 

Types

• Herpes zoster oticus affects the ear and can cause temporary hearing loss and dizziness.
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus affects the area around the eye. With this type of shingles, the virus becomes reactivated in the trigeminal nerve, which is the nerve that controls sensation.
• Ramsay Hunt syndrome affects the facial nerve that is located near the inner ear. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Irritation, swelling, and muscle weakness are the main symptoms. With Ramsay Hunt syndrome, there is a risk for permanent nerve damage if the condition goes untreated for more than three days. It is recommended that people with Ramsay Hunt syndrome seek treatment as soon as possible.

Symptoms

Many shingles patients experience pain before they develop a rash or blisters. Within several days, the pain will become stronger or escalate into feelings of numbness or tingling. You might also experience itchy burning. A strip of blisters and a rash may form and circle around your body from your back to the middle of your chest. The shingles might also develop around your neck or face close to your eye. The blisters might burst and become crusty. After several days, the rash will crust over and heal. Most people recover from the illness, but some will endure permanent scarring. Most people recover after a month.

Other symptoms include fevers, body pain, fatigue, and headaches. It is recommended that you contact a doctor if you believe that you have shingles, especially if you experience these symptoms.

Causes/Risk Factors

Shingles is a viral condition that is known as the herpes zoster virus. The herpes zoster virus results from the varicella zoster virus, which is also known as the chicken pox. Most people who experience the chicken pox as children, teenagers, or adults will recover fully from the rashes and infection. In a small population of people, the varicella zoster virus becomes inactive and remains within the bottom of the nerve cells. For many years and even decades, the herpes zoster virus will show no symptoms. When the virus becomes reactivated many years later, a shingles outbreak can occur.

A person with shingles is contagious through direct contact with open sores. Once the virus has passed, the recipient will develop the chicken pox as opposed to shingles. People who have had the chicken pox are not at risk of catching shingles. If you have shingles, you should avoid contact with pregnant women, babies, and young children. You should also avoid people who do not have a strong immune system.

Tests/Diagnosis

Doctors are able to diagnose shingles visually. Sometimes, the condition is difficult to diagnose since the herpes simplex virus produces similar symptoms. In these situations, a blood test is necessary. Lab tests can detect an antibody that is only found in the active chicken pox or shingles virus.

Treatment for Shingles

• Zostavax, a live vaccine is on the market and recommended for people over the age of 60.
• Over-the-counter analgesics such as calamine-based lotions can help relieve pain and burning. Some people might need a stronger prescription medicine.
• Antiviral drugs can prevent the varicella zoster virus from replicating. These drugs can help reduce the severity of symptoms.