Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, usually on one side of the body or face. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The same virus that causes chickenpox. While most people recover from chickenpox in childhood, the virus doesn’t leave the body; instead, it hides in the nervous system and can reactivate years later as shingles (CDC, 2023).
Why Does Shingles Happen?
After recovering from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve tissues. For reasons not entirely understood, it can “wake up” later in life and travel along nerve pathways to the skin, causing pain and a blistering rash (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
This reactivation usually happens in older adults or in people with weakened immune systems. Stress, aging, certain medications like chemotherapy or steroids, or illnesses such as HIV/AIDS can make it more likely for the virus to resurface.
What Are the Symptoms?
Shingles often starts with early warning signs like:
- Tingling, burning, or itching in a specific area
- Pain in a stripe or patch, usually on one side of the body
- Headache, fever, or fatigue
A few days later, a red rash appears, followed by fluid-filled blisters. These blisters typically scab over within 7 to 10 days and fully heal in 2 to 4 weeks (National Institute on Aging, 2022). While the rash is the most visible symptom, the pain is often the most intense part. Some people describe it as burning, stabbing, or throbbing.
In more severe cases, especially in older adults, the pain doesn’t go away even after the rash heals. This lingering nerve pain is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and it can last for months or even years (WHO, 2022).
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, but the risk increases with age. About 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will experience shingles at some point in their lives (CDC, 2023). The risk goes up significantly after age 50. Other high-risk groups include:
- People with weakened immune systems
- Those undergoing cancer treatments
- Organ transplant recipients
- People under extreme stress
Even though shingles itself isn’t contagious, the virus can spread from a person with shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox — but it would cause chickenpox in that person, not shingles (AAD, 2023).
How Is Shingles Treated?
There is no cure for shingles, but early treatment can make a big difference. If you see a doctor within 72 hours of the rash appearing, you’re more likely to recover faster and have fewer complications. Common treatments include:
- Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, which help the rash heal faster
- Pain relief using over-the-counter medications, prescription painkillers, or nerve pain treatments like gabapentin
- Calming creams or cool compresses for the itching and discomfort
In some cases, doctors may prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Can Shingles Be Prevented?
Yes — shingles can often be prevented with a vaccine. The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 and older, even if they’ve already had shingles. It’s given in two doses and has been shown to be over 90% effective in preventing shingles and PHN (CDC, 2023).
Vaccination is especially important because the effects of shingles can be long-lasting and even disabling in some cases. Preventing shingles also reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others who may not be immune to chickenpox.
Living with Shingles
Shingles can be physically painful and emotionally exhausting. Some people feel isolated or depressed because the pain and rash interfere with daily life, sleep, and work. That’s why it’s important to seek medical care early and not ignore symptoms. Support from family and proper rest can also help recovery.
For those who’ve experienced shingles, the message is clear: talk to your doctor about vaccination to prevent a future episode. And for those who haven’t had it especially if you’re over 50 — consider getting the vaccine as a simple step to protect your health.
Herpes zoster is more than just a rash it’s a condition that can deeply affect one’s quality of life, especially in older adults. But with greater awareness, effective treatments, and a powerful vaccine, it’s also a condition we can manage and even prevent.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Shingles (Herpes Zoster). https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Shingles. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles
- National Institute on Aging. (2022). Shingles: What You Should Know. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/shingles
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Herpes Zoster Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-zoster
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). (2023). Shingles Overview. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/shingles-overview
