Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles, also referred to as Herpes Zoster is a viral skin condition that causes painful rash and nerve damage. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes Chickenpox. The cause is linked to the reactivation of the virus that stays in the body. The condition can cause pain, burning, and tingling in a specific area before the rash appears. Anyone who’s had chickenpox can develop shingles. Additionally, people aged over 50 years, individuals with weakened immune systems, and people under high stress are at higher risk of developing shingles.

The primary cause of shingles is linked to reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life. The exact cause of reactivation is not clearly known but is often associated with old age and when the immune system is weakened. 

• Reactivated Virus: The primary cause of shingles is when varicella-zoster virus, that remains in the body reactivates.

• Weak Immune System: Another factor that leads to shingles is weakened immune system and old age. 

p>Shingles usually have early warning signs that typically appear 1 to 5 days before the rash develops. 

• Pain: Pain resulting from shingles can be constant, dull or cause a burning sensation. The pain can be mild to severe. 

• Itching: A tingling sensation and itching sensation in a specific area may result as an early symptom. 

• Rash: A red rash may start to appear in a specific area, usually rashes may start to appear within 5 days.

• Flu-like Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms may also result from shingles, including fatigue, headache, fever, sensitivity to light, and more. 

• Stomach Upset: Some individuals may also experience signs like nausea or an upset stomach.

A healthcare provider usually a dermatologist treats Shingles. Diagnosis of shingles is based on clinical symptoms. Diagnosis involves checking for distinctive rash, pain, burning sensation and grouped fluid-filled blisters that follow a nerve path. Additionally, the specialist may also scrape a small sample of the fluid from the blister and send it for examination. 

The condition is a result of the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, though experts are not exactly sure of what gets the virus reactivated, though it is generally associated with,

• Age: The risk of developing shingles significantly increases with age, especially over 50 years of age. 

• History of Chickenpox: Shingles affects individuals who have a history of chickenpox. The same virus that causes chickenpox causes shingles. The virus remains dormant in the body and is reactivated. 

• Weak Immune System: A weak immune system caused by conditions like AIDS/HIV, cancer, or other chronic conditions may impact the body’s immune system making it easier for the shingles virus to reactivate. 

• Stress: Stress also plays a role in the development of shingles, as it can temporarily weaken the immune system, triggering reactivation. 

There is no cure for shingles, however, the symptoms can be managed with different measures including,

• Medications: Medications like antiviral medications help reduce the duration and severity of the rash and pain. 

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and more can help relieve mild to moderate pain. 

• Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain, especially if rash & pain is widespread. 

• Shingles Vaccine: The most effective way to prevent shingles is by taking shingles vaccine - (Shingrix). It is recommended for adults aged over 50 and individuals who would already have had shingles. 

• Maintain a Healthy Immune System:  Maintain a healthy lifestyle through balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and stress management technique to boost immunity.

• Manage Stress: Manage stress through therapy, self-care, meditation and more as it can reduce the risk of developing shingles.