Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a disease that triggers a painful skin rash. It is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. After you recover from chickenpox (usually as a child), the virus continues to live in some of your nerve cells. Show
For most adults, the virus is inactive and it never leads to shingles. But, for about one in three adults, the virus will become active again and cause shingles. What are the symptoms of shingles?Usually, shingles develops on just one side of the body or face, and in a small area. The most common place for shingles to occur is in a band around one side of the waistline. Most people with shingles have one or more of the following symptoms:
For some people, the symptoms of shingles are mild. They might just have some itching. For others, shingles can cause intense pain that can be felt from the gentlest touch or breeze. It’s important to talk with your doctor if you notice any shingles symptoms. If you notice blisters on your face, see your doctor right away because this is an urgent problem. Blisters near or in the eye can cause lasting eye damage and blindness. Hearing loss, a brief paralysis of the face, or, very rarely, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) can also occur. How is shingles diagnosed and treated?If you think you might have shingles, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. It’s important to see your doctor no later than three days after the rash starts. The doctor will confirm whether you have shingles and can make a treatment plan. Most cases can be diagnosed from a visual examination. If you have a condition that weakens the immune system, your doctor may order a shingles test. Although there is no cure for shingles, early treatment with antiviral medications can help the blisters clear up faster and limit severe pain. Shingles can often be treated at home. How long does shingles last?Most cases of shingles last three to five weeks.
Long-term painAfter the shingles rash goes away, some people may be left with ongoing pain called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN. The pain is felt in the area where the rash occurred. The older you are when you get shingles, the greater your chances of developing PHN. The PHN pain can cause depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and weight loss. Some people with PHN find it hard to go about their daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, and eating. Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing PHN or have any of these symptoms. Usually, PHN will lessen over time. Is shingles contagious?If you are in contact with someone who has shingles, you will not get the symptoms of shingles yourself. However, direct contact with fluid from a shingles rash can still spread the varicella-zoster virus, which can cause chickenpox in people who have not had chickenpox before or the chickenpox vaccine. The risk of spreading the virus is low if the shingles rash is kept covered. Am I at risk for shingles?Everyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles. Researchers do not fully understand what makes the virus become active and cause shingles. But some things make it more likely:
Most people only have shingles one time. However, it is possible to have it more than once. When should I get the shingles vaccine?The current shingles vaccine (brand name Shingrix) is a safe, easy, and more effective way to prevent shingles than the previous vaccine. In fact, it is over 90% effective at preventing shingles. Most adults age 50 and older should get vaccinated with the shingles vaccine, which is given in two doses. You can get the shingles vaccine at your doctor’s office and at some pharmacies. You should get the shingles vaccine if you:
Medicare Part D and private health insurance plans may cover some or all of the cost. Check with Medicare or your health plan to find out if it is covered. You should not get vaccinated if you:
If you are unsure about the above criteria or have other health concerns, talk with your doctor before getting the vaccine. Vaccines for older adultsVaccines can help protect you against several serious diseases, including COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, tetanus, shingles, and whooping cough. Learn more about vaccines recommended for older adults. Tips for coping with shinglesIf you have shingles, here are some tips that might help you feel better: Read and share this infographic & to learn more about shingles.
Also, you can limit spreading the virus to other people by:
Read about this topic in Spanish. Lea sobre este tema en español. Sign up for email updates about healthy agingEmail Address For more information about shinglesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MedlinePlus National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) National Shingles Foundation This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. Will shingles go away if left untreated?There is no cure for shingles, but treatment can help ease your symptoms until the condition improves. In many cases, shingles gets better within around two to four weeks.
What does a mild case of shingles look like?This rash consists of fluid-filled blisters that worsen quickly. The blisters may look like chickenpox, but they are clustered together. The shingles rash can vary in color, depending on your skin tone. On darker skin, the rash may be pink, grayish, dark brown, or even purple.
What triggers a shingles outbreak?What causes shingles? Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Shingles is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.
Where does shingles usually start at?It commonly forms on the torso or face, often near the eye. You're at risk for shingles if you've ever had chickenpox. That's because the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, is also responsible for shingles. The virus remains dormant inside your body after having chickenpox.
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