Shingles Treatment

What is shingles?

Shingles is a painful rash resulting from the herpes zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Individuals who have had chickenpox are susceptible to developing shingles.

While there is no cure for shingles, medications can aid the body in combating the virus, lessening the severity of shingles. These medications also help prevent shingles from causing lingering nerve pain that may persist for months or even years after the rash disappears.

Symptoms of shingles

The initial indication of shingles is often pain, ranging from mild to intense, described as shooting, tingling, burning, or itching. This is followed by a rash and blisters appearing 1 to 14 days later, typically forming a single stripe on one side of the body or face. Additional symptoms may include:

  • Chills

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Upset stomach

In cases where shingles affects the face, it can impact the eyes, potentially causing symptoms like blurred vision, double vision, dry eye, and pain.

What causes shingles?

Shingles is caused by the same virus that leads to chickenpox. If you've had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that caused it remains dormant in your body, residing in your nerves. As you age, the virus may become active again, resulting in shingles.

Although shingles is less contagious than chickenpox, individuals with blisters can still spread the virus. Precautions include avoiding contact with young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, refraining from touching the rash, keeping it covered, and practicing frequent handwashing.

How is shingles treated?

While there is no cure for shingles, preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. Medications are available to minimize symptom severity if you do contract the virus.

Consider discussing the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) with a Cohen Care provider to assess its suitability for you. Individuals aged 60 or older can benefit from the shingles vaccine, reducing the risk of an outbreak. In some cases, younger individuals at high risk of shingles may also receive the vaccine.

Prompt treatment for shingles is crucial. Anti-viral medications, when initiated early, can accelerate recovery, alleviate symptoms, and potentially reduce the risk of long-term pain even after the rash resolves.

Cohen Care providers can evaluate your rash and prescribe anti-viral medications to manage symptoms, promoting a quicker recovery and potentially minimizing post-shingles pain.

How long does shingles last?

The shingles rash typically subsides within 2 to 4 weeks, although some individuals may experience lingering effects. Pain associated with shingles can persist for months or even years in certain cases. While medication may not shorten the duration of shingles, it can alleviate pain caused by the rash, reducing the likelihood of prolonged discomfort.