Shingles (herpes zoster): symptoms, treatment and prevention

What is shingles?

Shingles is a skin infection caused by the Varicella zoster virus, the same virus behind chickenpox. After someone recovers from chickenpox the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate as shingles when the immune system is weakened.

Who is at risk?

• People aged 50 and over
• People with conditions that weaken immunity, such as HIV, cancer or diabetes
• Anyone who has had chickenpox
• Severe stress or exhaustion

Symptoms

• Pain, burning or throbbing on one part of the body
• A red rash with clusters of fluid-filled blisters
• Itching or numbness in the affected area
• Fever, headache or feeling weak

Shingles usually appears on the chest, back, neck or face, and only on one side of the body.

If left untreated

• Postherpetic neuralgia: lasting nerve pain after the rash has gone
• Secondary skin infection
• Vision problems if it affects the eye
• Hearing or balance problems if it affects the ear

Treatment

Antiviral medicine such as aciclovir works best within the first 72 hours, together with pain relief and keeping the rash clean. See a doctor as soon as you suspect shingles.

Prevention

• Herpes zoster vaccine for people aged 50 and over
• Support your immunity with good food, enough sleep and managing stress
• Avoid contact with shingles patients if you have never had chickenpox

When to see a doctor urgently

• The rash spreads fast or is very painful
• The rash is on the eye, face or ear
• The patient is elderly or has weak immunity
• No improvement after a few days