Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that manifests as a painful rash. It is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reactivate later in life, especially in individuals over 50 or those with weakened immune systems. The condition often starts with pain, tingling, or itching, followed by a rash and fluid-filled blisters. Early treatment with antiviral medications can minimize symptoms and reduce complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, a persistent nerve pain that affects some individuals. For those seeking effective care, shingles treatment hospitals in Mumbai offer advanced therapies to manage symptoms and prevent long-term issues.

What Is Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection characterized by a painful rash. It is caused by the herpes zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the body and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles. About 98% of adults in the U.S. have had chickenpox, making them susceptible to shingles. The likelihood of developing shingles increases with age, which is why vaccination is recommended for all healthy adults aged 50 and older, as well as for adults aged 19 and older with weakened immune systems.

How Does Shingles Occur?

Shingles occurs when the dormant herpes zoster virus reactivates in the body. The exact reason why this reactivation happens is not fully understood, but it may be linked to a weakened immune system due to stress, illness, or aging. Once the virus reactivates, it travels along nerve pathways to the skin, causing a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the face or body.

How Common Is Shingles?

Shingles is more common than many people realize. Approximately:

1 in 3 individuals in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime.
Half of the population that reaches the age of 85 will experience shingles.
Around 1 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with shingles each year.

While shingles is not usually life-threatening, complications can arise, leading to hospitalization in about 4% of cases, particularly among adults aged 65 and older or those with compromised immune systems. Fewer than 100 deaths related to shingles occur annually in the U.S., predominantly among older adults.

Symptoms

Shingles is known for causing a painful rash, which often develops on one side of the face or body. The initial signs may not be visible but can include pain, itching, or tingling in the affected area. Symptoms typically include:

Painful rash :- The rash can be severe and usually appears as clusters of blisters.
Nerve pain :- This pain can persist for months or even years, particularly in older adults, and is often described as burning, stabbing, throbbing, or shooting.
Eye complications :- Shingles can affect the eyes, potentially leading to vision loss.
Other symptoms :- These may include fever, headache, chills, upset stomach, muscle weakness, skin infections, and decreased or loss of vision or hearing.

A condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) can occur after the rash has healed, resulting in intense pain in the area where the rash appeared. PHN can be particularly difficult to manage, especially in older individuals.

Treatment

While there is no cure for shingles, antiviral medications can help shorten the duration and severity of the illness, especially if taken within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Common treatments include:

Antiviral drugs :- These are most effective when started early.
Pain relief :- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications can alleviate discomfort.
Topical remedies :- Wet compresses, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths may help soothe itching and irritation.

Prompt medical attention is crucial if you suspect you have shingles. Vaccination remains the best preventive measure against shingles and can also help reduce the risk of long-term pain if the infection does occur.