Signs of Shingles: Herpes Zoster

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Shingle is an infection that usually produces a painful skin rash, but the painful tingling sensations which characterize the condition can also occur when no rash is present. Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).¹

VZV is the same virus that causes chickenpox, a very common childhood infection.² After a person has had chickenpox, VZV remains dormant in their body for the rest of their lifetime. If the virus reactivates, which can happen decades later, most often due to a weakened immune system, the resulting condition is called shingles. Although anybody who has already had chickenpox can develop shingles, the condition most commonly affects adults, typically those over 60 years of age.

The early signs of shingles are typically sensations of itching, numbness, or burning pain on the skin of the face, chest, or back; in most cases, this develops into the condition’s characteristic rash.

The rash develops into blisters on one side of the body, most commonly in one of the following areas:

• Neck
• Torso
• Face

A shingles outbreak typically lasts for three to four weeks.³ Many people experience only one outbreak of shingles in their lifetime, although the condition can recur.

Good to know: Shingles is also known as herpes zoster, but it is important to note that this condition is not caused by the same virus, called herpes simplex, that results in genital or oral herpes.

Read more about Genital Herpes »
Read more about Herpes Labialis »

Symptoms of shingles

The principal symptom of shingles is a painful skin rash. This looks like red or discolored skin at first and eventually features weeping blisters.

Signs of shingles before the rash appears

Before the rash appears, early warning signs of shingles, which may be present, include:

• Itching, burning pain, numbness, tingling in the place where the rash will develop
• Flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, feeling fatigued or overly tired
• Upset stomach

After the initial skin complaints develop into the shingles rash, the condition typically lasts for two to four weeks. The pain typically worsens as the rash develops and alleviates as it heals.

What does the shingles rash look like?

The varicella-zoster virus which causes shingles lies dormant in the nervous system, so the rash will appear in a dermatomal pattern; a band or area of skin on the body corresponding to a particular set of nerves.4 The shingles rash usually appears on the face, neck, or one side of the torso.

Good to know: If the relevant nerves are affected, it is also possible to experience shingles on the leg. It is relatively unusual, but also possible, to develop the shingles rash in more than one area of the body, i.e. concerning more than one set of nerves. Even more rarely and especially in people with a compromised immune system, three or more dermatomes may be affected. This is a form of the condition known as disseminated zoster.

As the condition progresses, the rash site develops blisters that fill with clear fluid. Because shingles interact with a person’s nervous system, the rash is often accompanied by an intense, stabbing pain that worsens as it develops. The area affected by the rash may be hypersensitive to touch, which can render it difficult to dress or to sleep in certain positions.

A person with shingles is contagious to others in the period when their rash is blistering. During this period, a person should avoid physical contact with others, in particular, certain population groups, including:

• Elderly people
• Pregnant people
• People with a weakened immune system
• People who have not had chickenpox in the past

The blistering phase of the rash usually lasts for seven to ten days, and the lesions should then reduce in size as they heal, eventually disappearing.

Subtypes of shingles

Although the painful shingles rash on one side of the face, neck, or torso is present in most cases of shingles, the condition can take various other forms.

Less common forms of shingles include:

• Zoster sine herpete; shingles with pronounced pain, but without the rash
• Internal shingles; shingles affecting the internal organs
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus; shingles affecting the nerve in the eye
• Herpes zoster oticus; shingles which invades the facial nerve

Zoster sine herpete (ZSH): shingles without the rash

A person can develop shingles without being affected by the rash, although this is rare. When shingles occur without the rash being present, this is called zoster sine herpete (ZSH).

When shingles occur without a rash, the first symptoms of the condition may involve:

• A feeling of numbness in a certain area
• An itchy, burning sensation
• A painful sensation
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Generalized aches
• Hypersensitivity to touch

When shingles are present, even without the rash, sensations will be concentrated in a specific area of the body – commonly the face, neck, one side of the torso, or the eyes. However, in the absence of the shingles rash, zoster sine herpete may still rarely lead to neurological and visceral diseases, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), Varicella pneumonia, paralysis of the facial nerves, and problems related to keeping one’s balance or problems with hearing.⁵

Because shingles share characteristics with many other conditions, including herpes simplex, impetigo, dermatitis herpetiformis, and contact dermatitis, it can easily be confused with these conditions. In cases where a rash is not present, a laboratory test will usually be necessary to establish the presence of the varicella-zoster virus in the body.⁶

Internal shingles

In rare cases, shingles can invade the lungs, nervous system, and brain instead of – or as well as – the external areas of the body. This is more likely to happen in cases where a person has a weakened immune system, for example as caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or by undergoing a course of chemotherapy.

It is rarely possible to have internal shingles without a rash if it only affects internal parts of the body. People, who have a weakened immune system and suspect they may have shingles even though the typical rash is not present, should make their healthcare professional aware of their medical history immediately to prevent shingles from developing internally.

Symptoms of internal shingles are related to the affected internal organ. If a person has internal shingles affecting the lungs, for example, developing pneumonia is a possible symptom.⁷

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Also called ophthalmic herpes zoster, this form of the condition involves shingles invading the nerve in the eye. The first indicator that shingles have spread to the eye is the development of the shingles rash and/or associated sensations in the tip of the nose.⁸

If shingles are suspected in the nasal area, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist, a doctor specializing in conditions that affect the eyes, without delay, as this form of shingles can cause visual distortions and even blindness.

Good to know: In some cases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus” data-wpil-keyword-link=”linked”>herpes zoster ophthalmicus, Hutchinson’s sign may be present. This involves vesicles (fluid-filled sacs) developing on the tip or side of the nose, due to shingles affecting the nasociliary branch of the trigeminal nerve, which is connected to parts of the nose as well as the cornea in the eye.

Read more about Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus »

Herpes zoster oticus (HZO)

This type of shingles occurs when shingles affect the facial nerves. Symptoms may vary, depending on which of the cranial nerves in the head are affected. The cranial nerve VII (nervus facialis) is affected in around 90 percent of cases of herpes zoster oticus, resulting in shingles on the face, neck, ear, and/or mouth.

The other, less common, forms of herpes zoster oticus are:

• Ramsay Hunt Syndrome; a peripheral facial palsy, characterized by acute pain in one ear and the face. Vesicles may be present in the external ear canal, as well as additional auditory symptoms in some cases.
• HZO affecting cranial nerve VIII; or nervus vestibulocochlearis, which produces vestibular (balance system) symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo in addition to the shingles rash.

If a person suspects they may be affected by herpes zoster oticus, they should consult a healthcare professional immediately, as shingles that affect the facial nerves, indicates a likelihood of developing internal shingles.

Causes of shingles

All people who have been affected by chickenpox and, rarely, people who have been vaccinated against chickenpox and thereby carry VZV ‒ the virus which causes herpes zoster/shingles ‒ in their body, are at risk of developing shingles.

Good to know: If a person who has been vaccinated against chickenpox develops shingles, the infection tends to be significantly less severe than the condition can be when it affects people who do not carry any form of VZV in their bodies. It is, therefore, in general, worthwhile for a person, who has not experienced chickenpox, to be vaccinated against it, even though this is an attenuated vaccine (containing a weakened version of the virus that does not cause the illness), and therefore does not offer total protection against related conditions such as shingles.

Shingles will affect around one in three people in the U.S. during their lifetime. After a person has recovered from chickenpox, VZV remains dormant in their body. It is stored in the nervous system and can reactivate as shingles when a person’s immune system is compromised by aging, illness, or stress.

Is shingles (herpes zoster) contagious?

Shingles are only contagious at the point when the rash is blistering. At this time, VZV can be passed from a person with shingles to others via direct bodily contact, passing on traces of infected blister fluids and the sharing of towels, bedding, and utensils.

It is only possible to catch the varicella-zoster virus, rather than shingles itself: If a person who has never had chickenpox before is infected with VZV by somebody with shingles, they will develop chickenpox ‒ the first infection which VZV causes when it enters the body ‒ as opposed to shingles.⁹

Risk factors

Shingles are most common in adults over 60 years of age. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all people over 60 be vaccinated against shingles. The vaccine reduces the overall risk of contracting the condition by around 50 percent and lessens the duration and severity of shingles if it occurs.¹⁰

Shingles can also affect people whose immune systems have been weakened by injury or illnesses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cancer, or the use of certain medicines or treatments which place a lot of stress on the immune system – such as organ transplants and chemotherapy. People of any age, who have previously had chickenpox and are experiencing a prolonged period of severe stress, are also at risk of shingles.

Pregnant people

If a person develops shingles while pregnant, it is usually mild and poses no further risk to the individual or their unborn baby.¹¹ However, pregnant people who have never had chickenpox should avoid contact with those affected by chickenpox and those affected by shingles as a precautionary measure.

People with shingles or chickenpox both can infect others with VZV, and developing chickenpox whilst pregnant can result in potentially severe health complications for both the pregnant person and the developing fetus.

Diagnosis

Because the shingles rash is instantly identifiable due to its dermatomal pattern, the rash and accompanying pain, usually on one side of the body, are generally the only symptoms that need to be present for a shingles diagnosis to be made. The doctor will usually perform a physical examination and may take a swab from a blister, sending a sample of cells from the aggravated area of skin for a laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis.

It is recommended that anyone who thinks that they may be developing shingles seek medical attention as soon as possible to get supportive treatment and decrease the chance of infecting others. Although it is not possible to cure shingles, various pharmaceutical products can be prescribed on diagnosis which can help ease the pain and lessen the duration of the condition. These work most effectively when taken as soon as possible after the onset of shingles. If you suspect that you could be experiencing the first signs of shingles, or are unsure, consult the general Practices for a free symptom assessment.

Treatment

There is no cure for shingles, but by diagnosing the condition early, it is possible to:

• Prevent the spread and severity of shingles
• Reduce associated health complications
• Ease the pain
• Lessen the duration of the outbreak

Following a diagnosis of shingles, a physician will generally advise on a recovery plan designed to alleviate the discomfort associated with the shingles rash.

Recovery plan

Activities that are usually recommended for a swift recovery from shingles may include:

• Resting and relaxing
• Wearing loose-fitting clothes
• Keeping the rash clean and dry in order to dry out the blisters
• Keeping the rash uncovered so that the blisters can progress into the scabbing stage as quickly as possible
• Using cool compresses to alleviate the burning sensation on the skin
• Avoiding sharing bedding, clothing or towels, as this can facilitate the spread of infection to others

Medications to aid recovery

Medications that may be prescribed for alleviating the physical discomfort of shingles and combating the flare-up of the varicella-zoster virus may include:¹²

• Painkilling medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol or opioids in cases of severe pain. In some cases, antidepressants or anticonvulsants may be prescribed for their pain-relieving properties, which can work effectively in combination with other painkillers.
• Antiviral medications

Signs of shingles FAQs

Q: Are there further health risks associated with shingles?
A: If left untreated, shingles are more likely to result in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition in which a burning pain continues to be felt in the areas affected by shingles for more than three months13 after the rash and blisters themselves have disappeared. Approximately one-fifth of people who are affected by shingles will go on to develop PHN.¹³ The likelihood of shingles spreading to internal regions of the body likewise increases in the absence of a promptly initiated treatment and recovery plan.

Q: Are the signs of shingles different in adults to those in children?
A: The signs of shingles in children are largely the same as the signs of shingles in adults. However, shingles in children are generally less severe and last for a shorter duration than in adults, and most children recover well with no associated health complications. Shingles rarely affect children under three years of age and can only affect children who have already had chickenpox.14 Shingles are not common in children.15 However, having a weakened immune system as a result of an autoimmune disease, other chronic or serious disease, or because of being overly stressed, however, can increase the likelihood of a child developing shingles.¹⁶

Does stress cause shingles?
A: Stress itself does not cause shingles. However, it can, in some cases, make an attack of shingles more likely.¹⁶ This is because stress may weaken the immune system, potentially leaving a person more vulnerable to all types of infection, including the varicella-zoster virus.¹⁷

Good to know: People who have a weakened immune system, and who have never been infected by VZV before, will develop chickenpox the first time they catch the virus, rather than its subsequent form, shingles.

Q: Can herpes zoster cause encephalitis?
A: This rare condition occurs when the brain becomes inflamed, which is usually caused by the spread of an infection in the body to the brain. Viral infections, including the herpes simplex virus causing oral and genital herpes and VZV, which causes shingles, are more associated with developing encephalitis than bacterial infections. The possibility of developing encephalitis due to the spread of VZV or another virus is greater in people with a weakened immune system; for example, if a person’s immune system is compromised due to another underlying health condition, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).¹⁸

Early signs of encephalitis include flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fever, aching muscles, and nausea,18. More serious symptoms include drowsiness, seizures, and difficulty speaking.19 Immediate medical attention should be sought if encephalitis is suspected, as it can be life-threatening and should be treated as soon as possible. Diagnostic tests for encephalitis will involve an MRI or ct scan to visualize the extent of the inflammation and a lumbar puncture to determine its cause. This will allow doctors to decide on the best course of treatment. If encephalitis is caused by the herpes simplex of the VZV virus, treatment will involve a course of antiviral medication.²⁰

Q: What are the signs of shingles healing?
A: Normally, the blisters that feature in the shingles rash will burst around five days after they first develop. At this point, the stages of shingles healing are as follows: they will weep, turn into crusty scabs and begin to heal thereafter. From the time they burst, the scabbing and healing process takes approximately two weeks. Signs that shingles are healing as normal during this time include the size of the scabs diminishing, and, correspondingly, the severity of the pain associated with the rash reducing.²¹

Q: Should I get the shingles vaccine?
A: The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the shingles vaccine for all people over 60 years of age, whether they have had chickenpox or not. The vaccine reduces the overall risk of contracting the condition by around 50 percent and lessens the duration and severity of shingles if it occurs.²²

The shingles vaccine is not recommended for certain population groups, including people who are:²²

• Pregnant. A person who has had the shingles vaccine should wait a minimum of four weeks before trying to become pregnant
• Affected by a condition which weakens the immune system, such as HIV
• Affected by any type of cancer affecting bone marrow or the lymphatic system
• Using immunosuppressive medications such as steroids
• Undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy
• Receiving an organ or bone marrow transplant in less than 4 weeks time, just having received it or while being on immunosuppressive medication after receiving one²³

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1. “Varicella Zoster Virus Infection: Clinical Features, Molecular Pathogenesis of Disease, and Latency.” Neurological Clinics. August 2008. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
2. “Facts about chickenpox.” Pediatric Child Health. September 2005. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
3. “How Long Does It Take to Recover from Shingles?.” New Health Guide. 24 October 2017. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
4. “Dermatomes Anatomy.” Medscape. 13 October 2017. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
5. “Varicella-Zoster Virus Reactivation without Rash.” Journal of Infectious Diseases. 01 August 1992. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
6. “Diagnosis & testing.” National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. 19 August 2016. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
7. “Can you have internal shingles without a rash?” Medical News Today. 15 March 2018. Accessed: 16 July 2018. ↩
8. “Managing ophthalmic herpes zoster in primary care.” British Medical Journal. 16 July 2005. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
9. “Q: Should I get the shingles vaccine?.” Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. September 2012. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
10. “Transmission.” National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. 19 August 2016. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
11. “What are the risks of shingles during pregnancy?.” NHS Choices. 12 December 2015. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
12. “Shingles – Treatment.” 08 July 2016. NHS Choices. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
13. “Post-herpetic neuralgia.” Continuing Education in Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain. 01 August 2017. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩ ↩
14. “Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Postherpetic Neuralgia.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings. March 2009. Accessed: 24 October 2017. ↩
15. “Shingles (herpes zoster) in children.” University of Rochester Medical Center. 2018. Accessed: 18 July 2018. ↩
16. “Stress induced immune dysfunction: implications for health.” Perspectives. March 2005. Accessed: 13 September 2018. ↩ ↩
17. “Shingles.” The British Skin Foundation. Accessed: 16 July 2018. ↩
18. “Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 06 July 2017. Accessed: 16 July 2018. ↩ ↩
19. “Encephalitis.” Patient. 08 July 2015. Accessed: 16 July 2018. ↩
20. “Encephalitis.” NHS Choices. 06 December 2016. Accessed: 08 July 2018. ↩
21. “Shingles.” National Institute on Ageing. 31 December 2016. Accessed: 13 September 2018. ↩
22. “What everyone should know about Zostavax.” Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. 25 January 2018. Accessed: 16 July 2018. ↩ ↩
23. “A Comprehensive Review of Immunization Practices in Solid Organ Transplant and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.” Clinical Therapeutics. 2017. Accessed: 13 September 2018. ↩

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**Shingles: Herpes Zoster: A Comprehensive Guide**



**What⁣ is ‍Shingles?**



Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same​ virus that causes chickenpox. After ⁤a ‌person⁣ recovers from chickenpox, ‍the⁣ virus remains dormant in their nerve cells. Years or decades​ later, the virus⁤ can​ reactivate, resulting in shingles.



**Signs and Symptoms ⁢of Shingles**



The most common sign of shingles is a painful rash that ⁢appears⁢ on one side of the body, typically on ​the trunk, face, or neck. The rash develops in stages:



* **Prodrome (1-5 days):** Flu-like symptoms ‍such as fever, chills, fatigue, and headache ‍may occur.

* **Rash​ (3-5 days):** Small, itchy red​ blisters appear in groups, often along​ a nerve pathway.

* **Crusting (2-4⁢ weeks):** The blisters break open and crust over.

* **Healing:** The crusts fall off, leaving behind scars in⁢ some cases.



Other ‍symptoms may​ include:



*⁣ Tingling, numbness, or burning⁢ at the affected site

* Sensitivity to touch

* Fatigue

* Sensitivity to light

* Headache

* Muscle ⁢weakness



**Risk Factors for Shingles**



Anyone who has ​had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles. ​However, certain factors increase the likelihood, including:



* Age: Over 50

* Weakened immune system (e.g., due to⁤ HIV, transplant,‍ or certain medications)

* Stress

* ⁢Certain medical conditions (e.g.,​ cancer, diabetes)



**Complications of Shingles**



Most‌ cases of shingles are mild and resolve within a few weeks. ​However,​ complications can occur, particularly in⁣ older adults ⁢or⁤ those with compromised immune systems. These include:



* **Postherpetic neuralgia:** Severe pain ‌at the site of⁢ the rash that can persist⁤ for ⁤months or years

* **Eye complications:** Rash around the ‌eye can lead to corneal​ scarring and​ vision​ problems

* **Infections:** Bacterial​ or viral ⁣infections can develop at the ‍rash ​site

* **Neurological problems:** Weakness, paralysis,⁤ or balance issues

* **Ramsey Hunt ⁤syndrome:** Shingles affects the nerves of ⁣the⁤ face, ‌resulting in facial paralysis and hearing ⁣loss



**Treatment of​ Shingles**



Antiviral medications, such ​as acyclovir, ⁤valacyclovir, and famciclovir, can help reduce the⁤ severity and duration of symptoms. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen​ or acetaminophen, can help manage pain.



**Prevention of Shingles**



The shingles vaccine can help‌ prevent shingles and ⁣reduce its severity. People over‍ 50 years old and those with weakened immune systems ⁤are‍ recommended to‍ get the vaccine.



**Conclusion**



Shingles is a viral infection that ‌can cause​ a painful rash ‍and other complications. While most cases‍ are mild, it is⁤ important to seek medical attention if you think you might have shingles. ‌Early ‌treatment can help reduce the severity ⁢of symptoms and prevent potential complications. Vaccination is the⁢ most effective ​way to prevent shingles and its complications.