Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. This infection often emerges from a dormant virus in nerve tissues due to factors like ageing, stress, or a weakened immune system. It typically shows symptoms like a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters, usually affecting one side of the body or face. The virus has increased prevalence among people with diabetes.
Causes
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV): Shingles occur when the dormant varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the body, says Dr Arun Kumar, senior consultant at Neuro Hospital, Chennai. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can remain inactive in nerve tissues. It can reactivate later in life due to factors like a weakened immune system, stress, or ageing, says Kumar.
Symptoms
Rash: Usually appears as a band or strip of blisters on one side of the body, often around the torso or face.
Pain: Infected ones can face severe pain, usually after rash. It’s generally happens around the area where the rash will develop.
Itching and tingling: Before the rash appears, the skin may feel itchy, tingling, or numb.
Fever and headache: Some people experience fever, headache, and general malaise.
Also see: Monkeypox cases are on the rise, watch out for symptoms like fever, muscle pain, rashes on face
Treatment
Antiviral medications: Medications like aciclovir, valaciclovir, or famciclovir can help to reduce the severity and duration of the infection if taken within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or paracetamol) and sometimes prescription pain medications can help manage pain. Topical treatments like capsaicin cream may also be used.
Corticosteroids: In some cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain.
Preventive measures
Vaccination: The shingles vaccine (e.g., Shingrix) is recommended for adults over the age of 50, even if they've had shingles before. It’s highly effective at preventing the disease and its complications.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy immune system through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can help reduce the risk of shingles.
Avoiding exposure: Although shingles is not as contagious as chickenpox, it’s wise to avoid contact with pregnant women, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems if you have an active outbreak, as they could contract chickenpox from the shingles rash.
Complications
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): A common complication where pain persists even after the rash has healed. PHN can be severe and last for months or years.
Vision problems: If shingles affect the eye (ophthalmic shingles), it can lead to vision loss or other eye complications.
Neurological issues: Rarely, shingles can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or other neurological problems.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing shingles effectively and minimising complications.
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