Shingles are not a life-threatening condition. It can, however, be extremely painful. There are vaccines available that can reduce the risk of shingles outbreaks. If caught early the infection can be lessened and reduce the risk of complications. Postherpetic neuralgia is the most frequent complication.

Shingles usually only affect a small area of the body at a time. The symptoms and signs of shingles may include:

• Pain, burning, tingling, or numbness
• Sensitivity to touch
• Red rash that starts a few days after the pain begins
• Fluid-filled blisters that break and crust over
• Itching

Other symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Sensitivity to light
• Headache
• Fatigue

Pain is normally the first sign of shingles. This can be an intense pain for some people. Depending on where shingles shows up on the body, it can be mistaken for other problems that affect the lungs, heart, or kidneys. It is possible to have shingles without a rash and only pain.

Shingles will commonly develop as a stripe of blisters that will wrap around the right or left side of the torso. It can also show up as a rash around one eye or on the side of the neck or face.

Shingles are caused by the virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. If you have had chickenpox, you have the virus and may develop shingles. After you have recovered from chickenpox, the virus will become dormant as it enters your nervous system. Eventually, it can reactivate and develop shingles. People who have had chickenpox will not necessarily get shingles.

It is unclear why shingles develop. It may be impacted by a lowered immunity that allows infections to grow. Thus, it is more common in older people and people with weakened immune systems.

The varicella-zoster virus is in the family of herpes viruses. This is the group of viruses that cause genital herpes and cold sores. Sometimes shingles are also named herpes zoster. The virus that causes shingles is not the same as the one that causes genital herpes or cold sores.

If you are experiencing symptoms of shingles, call your doctor. If you have the following issues, don’t wait to call a doctor.

If you have pain and rash near an eye, left untreated can lead to permanent eye damage.

If you are 60 years old or older, you are at greater risk of complications.

If you have a weekend immune system or someone in your family does.

If the rash is painful and widespread, this type of outbreak is not normal.

A person with shingles is contagious. The virus that causes shingles can be spread to anyone who is not immune to chickenpox. This will normally occur with direct contact with open sores of the shingles rash. The virus will develop chickenpox and not shingles at the first infection. Chickenpox is dangerous for some people.

Until the shingles and blisters are scabbed over, you are contagious. You should avoid physical contact with anyone who has never had chickenpox or who has not been vaccinated for chickenpox. This is especially important if they have a weakened immune system, or are pregnant or newborn.

If you think you have shingles call Premier Acute Care Services. We can diagnose and treat skin conditions, including shingles. For more information, call us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Alexandria VA, and Ruther glen VA. We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Ruther Glen VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Balty VA, and Doswell VA.