Shingles

Shingles, also referred as herpes zoster, is a viral infection which appears as a single strip of blisters caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The same virus causes <chicken pox> after which it lies dormant in your nerve tissues for years before reactivating as shingles. It usually appears on one side of the body as a single stripe of blisters, typically on the torso, face, or neck. It mostly causes burning and pain.

A person with shingles can transfer the varicella-zoster virus to another person by direct contact to the shingles rash. However, the person infected will likely get chicken pox due to the virus, rather than shingles.

You are at a higher risk of getting shingles if you:

• are above fifty years of age

• have a weak immune system due to certain diseases like diabetes, autoimmune diseases or HIV/AIDS

• have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy

• have taken certain medications which weaken the immune system, like drugs or steroids given after organ transplant

Shingles can last for two to six weeks and may appear more than once but that happens rarely.

When to seek expert advise

Prompt consultation from a doctor is necessary if you suspect shingles. Set an immediate appointment from our doctors at Teeth and Skin Service Lines at The Aga Khan University Hospital if:

• The pain and rash occurs near the eye as untreated rash can cause permanent eye damage

• You are above seventy years of age as the complications increase with age

• You or someone in your family suffer from a weak immune system

• The rash is extensive and painful​​

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