Shingles
You have been seen today for shingles. Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox may get shingles later in life. The virus stays in your nerves in the body, but remains asleep (dormant). Shingles often occurs in older people. Or in people with lowered immunity. But it can affect anyone at any age.
Shingles starts as a tingling or burning patch of skin on 1 side of the body. This is because the virus only affects the area of skin that relies on the specific nerve where the virus is reactivated. Small, painful blisters may then appear. You may also feel generally unwell and even have a fever.
Exposure to shingles can't cause shingles. However, it can cause chickenpox in anyone who has not had chickenpox or has not been vaccinated. The contagious period ends when all blisters have crusted over, generally 1 to 2 weeks after the illness starts.
After the blisters heal, the affected skin may be sensitive or painful for weeks or months, gradually resolving over time. But sometimes this can last longer and even be permanent (called postherpetic neuralgia). Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of shingles. The most dreaded complication is shingles of the eye when the 5th cranial nerve is affected. This can lead to blindness. You can also get shingles in your ear associated with facial paralysis.
Shingles vaccines are available. Vaccine works extremely well to prevent shingles. It also helps to prevent all of its potential complications.. It is generally advised for adults older than 50, even if you've had shingles in the past. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to get vaccinated and which vaccine is best for you.
Home care
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Medicines can be prescribed to help relieve pain. Take these medicines as directed. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines for helping treat pain and itching.
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Antiviral medicines may be prescribed to reduce pain, shorten the illness, and prevent neuralgia. Take these medicines as directed.
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Compresses made from a solution of cool water mixed with cornstarch or baking soda may help relieve pain and itching.
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Gently wash skin daily with soap and water to help prevent infection. Be certain to rinse off all of the soap, which can be irritating.
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Trim fingernails and try not to scratch. Scratching the sores may leave scars.
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Stay home from work or school until all blisters have formed a crust and you are no longer contagious.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed.
The shingles vaccine (RZV vaccine) is advised for healthy people over age 50, even if you've had shingles before. This is because you can get shingles again. Two shots of the RZV vaccine are recommended. You should get the second RZV shot 2 to 6 months after the first. The vaccine makes it less likely that you will develop shingles in the future. If you do develop shingles, your symptoms will likely be milder than if you hadn’t been vaccinated. RZV is also advised even if you had the older shingles vaccine (zoster live vaccine, ZVL) in the past. That's because the RZV vaccine works better and protects you from shingles longer.
Wait until the shingles rash has gone away before getting the RZV vaccine.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these:
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider
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Affected skin is on the face or neck and any of the following occur:
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Blisters occurring on new areas of the body
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Joint pain, redness, or swelling
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Signs of skin infection: colored fluid leaking from the sores, warmth, increasing redness, fever, or increasing pain
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Symptoms get worse or new symptoms occur