If you had chickenpox as a child, you might think you’re safe for life. However, the virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella-zoster, can hide in your body’s nerve cells and reactivate years later as shingles.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection that usually affects one side of the body. It causes a painful, blistering rash often appearing across the torso, neck, or face. While the rash usually lasts two to three weeks, the pain can be intense and persist long after the blisters heal. This lingering pain is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and can last for weeks or months, especially in older adults.
Early symptoms of shingles include burning, tingling, or shooting pain, itching, fever, headaches, fatigue, and muscle weakness. The rash appears as red, fluid-filled blisters in a band-like pattern on one side of the body.
Sometimes, shingles affects the face, which can lead to more serious complications. If it involves the ear, it may cause hearing loss, vertigo, or facial paralysis (Ramsay Hunt syndrome). When it affects the eye—herpes zoster ophthalmicus—it’s a medical emergency. Symptoms include a rash on the eyelid or forehead, red and watery eyes, swelling, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Without quick treatment, it can cause permanent vision loss.
Triggers for shingles include aging, stress, illness, physical trauma, or immune-suppressing medications.
While there is no cure, early treatment with antiviral drugs, pain relievers, and topical ointments can ease symptoms and speed recovery. To prevent spreading the virus, keep the rash covered, avoid scratching, and stay away from pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems during the active phase.