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By Melissa Tennen, HealthAtoZ writer
When you were little, you probably came down with a case of the chickenpox. Mom told you that once you got it, you never had to worry about catching it again. That may be true, but that very same virus that caused your chickenpox may someday wake up and cause a condition called shingles.
What causes shingles?
Shingles is not the same as chickenpox. Scientists think the varicella-zoster virus may slip into your nervous system, where it "goes to sleep." The virus can suddenly reactivate, meaning it moves along the nerve pathways to the skin and causes blisters. The reasons are not entirely understood, although it seems to be linked to the body's inability to fight infection as well as it should.
Shingles is most likely to occur when the immune system becomes weakened by various factors (like aging, HIV, cancer treatment, certain medications and stressful life events - such as the death of a loved one).
Shingles is an adult illness, affecting two out of every 10 people. It is most common in people 50 years of age and older; however, if you have ever had chickenpox, then you are at risk.
What are the symptoms?
Shingles starts off as a rash that typically appears as a band on one side of the face or body. The first sign is a burning or tingling pain or numbness on the skin. You may also have fever, chills, headache or upset stomach. After a few days, small, fluid-filled blisters appear on reddened skin. This pain may be intense.
The condition can also lead to complications with hearing and sight. If shingles affects your eye, then the cornea can become infected, which can lead to temporary or permanent blindness. Another possible problem is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is pain caused by shingles that can last months or even years after the rash has healed. This pain can feel sharp, throbbing or stabbing.
Can shingles be prevented?
A vaccine for shingles was approved in 2006. In clinical trials, the vaccine prevented shingles in about half of people 60 years of age and older. It can also reduce the pain associated with shingles. A single dose of zoster vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years of age and older whether or not they had a prior episode of herpes zoster. Persons with chronic medical conditions may be vaccinated unless a contraindication or precaution exists for their condition.
Should I see my doctor?
While shingles does not have a cure, you can improve how long and how severe your attack is if you get help immediately. Antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famcyclovir, can help fight the virus. When these medications are started within the first 72 hours of the appearance of the rash, the time that you have to deal with the infection is shorter and your risk of problems like PHN is much lower. Although these drugs do not cure shingles, they decrease the pain and itching, help sores to heal and prevent new ones from forming.
Can I catch shingles from someone else?
You cannot get shingles from someone else who has it, but exposure to someone with shingles can give you chickenpox if you've never had them. Most people get shingles only once, but it is possible to have it more than once.
What can I do to treat the symptoms?
- Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest.
- Dip a washcloth in cool water and put it on your blisters to help with the pain and to help dry them.
- Take pain medications - such as Tylenol® or Motrin® - as directed by your doctor.
- Relax. Try not to allow yourself to get stressed. Stress can lower your immune system and make you feel worse.
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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