What is Shingles?

 Shingles, or herpes zoster, is an infection that is caused by the same virus that produces chickenpox. After a childhood episode of chickenpox, the virus may be reactivated later in life due to a decrease in the body's resistance. A shingles outbreak can be triggered by trauma, stress or emotional problems; but shingles is also seen in elderly patients or in patients with compromised immune systems.

An outbreak of shingles occurs only on one side of the body and follows the path of a nerve. Shingles usually affects the nerve endings of the skin under the ribs, but it can also affect nerves in the arms, legs or face. Because extreme cases may result in paralysis or loss of sight or hearing, it is important to see a health care provider for a proper diagnosis, especially in the case of a facial outbreak.

Shingles usually begins with burning or tingling pain on the skin in the affected area, followed by an outbreak of blisters. The affected area is extremely tender to the touch. Pain - which may last for days or even weeks - is the worst symptom, especially among the elderly.

Treatment is limited, but antiviral drugs may decrease the severity and duration of shigles if given within the first 72 hours of the illness. Other medications may be prescribed to reduce pain that continues after the blisters have healed.