Shingles - Information and Specialists

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains hidden in an inactive state in the body, within nerve cells—particularly in the spinal cord and the cranial nerve ganglia. Years later, the virus can become active again and cause shingles.

The main cause of shingles is the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in the body. The exact reasons for reactivation are not always clear, but certain factors can increase the risk, including:

• A weakened immune system due to illness, stress, or medications
• Advanced age, as the immune system can become less effective over time
• Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can compromise the immune system

Shingles typically manifests as a painful rash consisting of blisters on one side of the body @ ryanking999 / AdobeStock

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to look out for. These include:

• Rash: A characteristic symptom of shingles is a rash that often appears as blisters. This rash usually appears on one side of the body and follows a band-like or belt-like pattern. The blisters may be filled with clear or cloudy fluid and are accompanied by redness and swelling.
• Pain: Shingles is often accompanied by severe pain, which may feel like a burning, stinging, or pulling sensation. The pain may begin before the rash appears and can be very intense.
• Numbness or tingling: Many people with shingles experience numbness or tingling in the affected area of skin before the rash appears. These sensations can be uncomfortable and may indicate nerve irritation.
• General malaise: Shingles can be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and headaches. These general symptoms can make you feel weak and exhausted.
• Itching: The rash associated with shingles can cause severe itching, which can be very distressing. It’s important to resist the urge to scratch, as this can lead to infections and complications.
• Sensitivity to touch: The affected area of skin may be sensitive to touch and may even be slightly painful. This can make normal activities, such as wearing clothes, uncomfortable.

Symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks and, in some cases, can be very intense. It is important to note that the symptoms of shingles can vary from person to person and that not everyone experiences all of them. However, if you notice one or more of these symptoms and suspect you have shingles, please seek medical attention immediately.

Shingles is typically diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and the characteristic rash. Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. In some cases, laboratory tests may be conducted to confirm the presence of the varicella-zoster virus.

• Clinical Examination: Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and review your medical history. You will be asked about your symptoms, the appearance of the rash, and possible triggers.
• Medical History: Your doctor will ask about previous chickenpox infections or possible exposure to the varicella-zoster virus. People who have had chickenpox are at higher risk of developing shingles later in life.
• Laboratory tests: In some cases, your doctor may order laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include tests such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which can detect the presence of the varicella-zoster virus in the blood or in samples from the blisters.
• Differential diagnosis: Your doctor will also want to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as herpes simplex, eczema, or bacterial infections.

Laboratory tests can detect the presence of the varicella-zoster virus @ kitsawet / AdobeStock

The treatment of shingles aims to relieve symptoms, shorten the duration of the illness, and prevent complications. This includes:

• Antiviral medications: Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to inhibit the replication of the varicella-zoster virus and shorten the duration of shingles. Commonly prescribed antiviral medications include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir.
• Pain relief: Pain is a common symptom of shingles and can be very distressing. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and discomfort. Prescription pain relievers may also be necessary for severe pain.
• Topical treatments: Topical creams or lotions can help relieve itching, burning, and skin irritation. Your doctor may recommend applying a soothing cream or gel to the affected areas to alleviate discomfort.
• Corticosteroids: In some cases, medications containing corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. These medications can be taken orally or administered as an injection.
• Self-Care: It’s important to take good care of yourself while recovering from shingles. Get plenty of rest, stay well-hydrated, and eat healthy meals to strengthen your immune system and support your body’s recovery.
• Avoiding Scratching: Although it may be tempting to scratch the itchy areas, it is important not to scratch the affected skin, as this can lead to infections and complications. Keep your nails short and, if necessary, use cooling compresses to relieve itching.

It is important to take the medications prescribed by your doctor exactly as directed and to follow the recommended treatment methods. 

Shingles is usually treated by a general practitioner or family doctor. In some cases, a dermatologist—a specialist in skin diseases—may also be involved in the treatment, especially if the rash and skin symptoms are more severe or require specialized treatments.

The best way to prevent shingles is through vaccination. The shingles vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of shingles and its complications in older adults. In addition, you can reduce your risk by taking the following steps:

• A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can strengthen the immune system.
• Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can help reduce stress and strengthen the immune system.
• Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or shingles, especially if your immune system is weakened.

The best prevention against shingles is the herpes zoster vaccine @ Zerbor / AdobeStock

In most cases, the prognosis for people with shingles is good. Most patients make a full recovery, although the healing process can take several weeks. However, some people may develop long-term complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, which can occur months or even years after recovery.

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have shingles. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and speed up the healing process.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that this information is intended as general guidance and is not a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. Your doctor can provide you with personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.