Doc, I got the Shingles! Now what?

Abstract

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful rash caused by a reactivation of the virus Varicella zoster. Varicella zoster also causes the infection chicken pox, and following resolution of chicken pox the virus can hide out in the nerves of your body. When a person has a weakened immune system, this virus can reproduce in this nerve and reappear as a painful blistering rash on your skin. This is generally a self-limited rash, but some complications exist including blindness if the rash involves your eye, persistent pain, and bacterial infection in areas of open lesions. Treatment usually includes pain medications and antiviral medications to control your pain, decrease the duration of the rash, and decrease the prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia. Other treatment options may include steroids, antidepressant medications, and topical treatments as directed by your physician.