Patients with shingles can experience symptoms of pain and discomfort that interfere with daily activity. MaineHealth providers make sure that patients with shingles receive appropriate treatment that can lower the risk of complications.
What is shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection. A painful skin rash develops in a band or strip on one side of the face or body. People with shingles typically have only one episode of the virus. Sometimes shingles can return.
How can I prevent shingles?
Getting a shingles vaccine can help prevent shingles. It is not intended to treat people who currently have the disease. Talk to your doctor about getting the shingles vaccine.
What causes shingles?
Shingles is caused by varicella-zoster, the same strain of virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in certain nerves. The virus can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. The cause of the reactivation is unclear. People are more likely to develop shingles if they:
- Are over the age of 60
- Had chickenpox before age one
- Have weakened immune systems
What are the symptoms of shingles?
Symptoms of shingles develop in stages. Initial symptoms may include pain, tingling or burning on one side of the body before any rash appears. A painful rash will then develop on one side of the face or body. The rash typically looks like skin redness with small blisters. Other symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Swollen glands
- Upset stomach
Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of shingles.
Make an appointment to see your primary care provider. Doctors generally can diagnose shingles by looking at the rash on the affected area of the body. Tests are rarely needed, but herpes tests on cells taken from a blister can help reach a diagnosis of shingles.
It is important for patients with shingles to receive early treatment to decrease symptoms and prevent future complications. Some of the treatment methods include:
- Antiviral drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Antihistamines
- Pain medicine
- Wet compresses
- Calamine lotion
- Colloidal oatmeal baths
Primary care is your first stop for health care
Talk to your primary care provider if you experience symptoms of shingles.
