Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Symptoms, Transmission & Treatment | Facemed

Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by VZV and is often painful. Learn about symptoms, transmission, treatment and vaccine prevention.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

One virus, two diseases — at different stages of life.

What is Herpes Zoster? Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It is rarely life-threatening but is often intensely painful . Herpes zoster is not related to the virus that causes genital herpes. Anyone who has had chickenpox carries the virus dormant in the nerve ganglia for life. When the immune system weakens, the virus can reactivate as shingles.

Where It Appears Face: usually begins as a rash on one side of the face, around the eyes, on the nose, or on one side of the neck. Torso: on one side, from the spine to the sternum, typically without crossing the midline of the body. Symptoms Pain is the most common early symptom, followed by an intense red rash on one side of the body or face. Other symptoms include: fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over itching fever headache chills upset stomach

Transmission A person with shingles and open blisters can transmit chickenpox — not shingles — to people who have never had chickenpox and are not vaccinated. Conversely, a person with chickenpox cannot give someone else shingles. The disease is not contagious before the blisters appear or after they have crusted over. Diagnosis If you suspect shingles, contact your dermatologist immediately. Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on examination and history; a lab test of blister fluid or tissue may occasionally be requested.

Treatment There is no cure that eliminates the virus, but your doctor can prescribe antiviral medication that reduces the duration and severity of the disease and limits the risk of complications, which — beyond post-herpetic neuralgia — may include: skin infections neurological issues vision loss Prevention Vaccine The chickenpox vaccine is part of the national childhood immunisation programme. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 60–75 , regardless of whether they have previously had shingles. Talk to your doctor about the right time for vaccination.

Myths & Facts

I think I have shingles. Should I wait a few days to see how it develops?

No — if you suspect shingles, see a doctor immediately for treatment to minimise pain and potential complications.

Can stress trigger shingles?

Stress weakens the immune system, making it more vulnerable to infection. It can also intensify the pain you experience.

How long does the pain from shingles last?

Many patients — especially over 50 — feel pain or burning (post-herpetic neuralgia), the most common complication, for months and sometimes up to a year after the rash has cleared.

Is shingles contagious?

A patient with active blisters can transmit the VZV virus to people who have never had chickenpox — causing chickenpox in them, not shingles. Contagiousness ends once the blisters have crusted over.