Shingles

Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a localized area. Typically the rash occurs in a single, wide stripe either on the left or right side of the body or face.

A person with active shingles can spread the virus when the rash is in the blister-phase. You are not infectious before the blisters appear. Once the rash crusts, you are no longer infectious.

Symptoms

Small pockets of fluid beneath the skin

On one side of the body
Painful
At face, At back, At abdomen, At chest

common

Skin rash and redness

In both breasts, In one breast, At face, At chest, At abdomen, At back

common

Itchy skin

At face, At back, At chest, At abdomen

common

Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes

common

Fatigue

common

Poor appetite

Fever

Less than 38°C (100. 4°F), Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F)

Headache

Risk factors

Treatment

There's no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medications include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir which are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness. These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears. Taking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on your blisters may help relieve the itching and pain. And, if possible, try to reduce the amount of stress in your life.