Herpes zoster (also known as shingles or zona) is a disease in humans. The same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. The symptoms are pain (sometimes very severe) and a rash with blisters.
General information What is shingles?
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive (dormant) in the nerve cells for years. Shingles occurs when this dormant virus wakes up, often due to a weakened immune system, aging, or stress.
How it Spreads
Shingles itself is not contagious, but the varicella-zoster virus can be transmitted to someone who has never had chickenpox through direct contact with the fluid from the rash's blisters. If infected, that person will develop chickenpox, not shingles, but they may develop shingles later in life.
Symptoms of Shingles
The disease starts with tingling, itchiness, or pain on the skin. After a few days, the disease causes a blistering rash. This rash may be on the trunk or face. The rash grows into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters dry out and crust over for several days. The rash causes anything from mild itching to extreme pain, and stays in one region of the body.
Key Causes and Risk Factors
- Previous Chickenpox Infection: You can only develop shingles if you have previously had chickenpox.
- Aging: The risk increases significantly for people over the age of 50, as immune function tends to decline.
- Weakened Immune System: People with compromised immune systems— due to conditions like HIV, cancer, or immunosuppressant medications—are at higher risk.
- Stress or Illness: Physical or emotional stress can trigger the virus to reactivate.
Prevention and Treatment
- Vaccination: The Shingrix vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and is recommended for adults aged 50 and older.
- Treatment: While there is no cure, antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir) can speed up healing and reduce the risk of complications if taken early.
Prognosis
Shingles can be very painful and itchy. It is not very dangerous to healthy people, and it usually ends without major problems. The rash, and pain, last for 3 to 5 weeks. Sometimes, serious problems like temporary partial, facial paralysis, ear damage, or encephalitis may occur. People with shingles on the upper half of the face need immediate medical attention: the virus may cause serious damage to the eyes. Most people who have shingles have only one attack of the disease in their lifetime. However, people with AIDS, cancer or weak immune systems may have multiple attacks.
What Is Shingles in the Eye?
Shingles in the eye is a painful infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Its medical name is herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
It happens when the shingles virus becomes active in nerves around your eye. Most of the time, it affects just one of your eyes. But in rare cases, it can show up in both at the same time. This condition can be serious. For further detailed information on shingles in the eye, and can be very serious. For more information on shingles please log onto the references below.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/signs-symptoms/#cdc_symptoms_section_1-common-symptoms
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11036-shingles