Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus can reactivate as shingles.

• Presentation: Usually appears as a single stripe of blisters wrapping around either the left or the right side of your torso. Pain, burning, numbness, or tingling is typically the first symptom, followed by a red rash a few days later.
• Complications: The most common complication is Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), where shingles pain persists long after the blisters have cleared due to damaged nerve fibers sending confused messages to the brain.
• Urgent Care: If the rash appears near the eye (Zoster Ophthalmicus), immediate medical attention is required to prevent permanent vision damage.

There is no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications.

Antiviral Medications (Start within 72 hours)

To be highly effective, antiviral therapy must be started within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Common antivirals include Acyclovir, Valacyclovir (Valtrex), and Famciclovir.

Acute Pain Management

Shingles pain can be severe. Doctors may prescribe gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica) for neuropathic pain, topical lidocaine patches, or short courses of oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling and nerve inflammation.

Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting shingles and preventing postherpetic neuralgia.

Shingrix Vaccine

The recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) is more than 90% effective and is recommended for adults aged 50 and older. It is administered in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart. It is also recommended for adults aged 19 and older who have weakened immune systems.

Clinical trials are currently testing next-generation vaccines and therapies to prevent long-term postherpetic pain.

• NCT06718222: A Phase III clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a new recombinant shingles vaccine in healthy older adults.
• NCT06992144: A safety study evaluating a novel topical ointment formulated to accelerate blister healing and reduce pain during acute outbreaks.
• NCT07119213: Examining the impact of early combination antiviral and nerve-stabilizing therapies on preventing postherpetic neuralgia.

If you have recently been diagnosed with Shingles, follow these steps immediately to accelerate recovery and minimize pain:

1. Start Antivirals Immediately: Fill your prescription for Acyclovir or Valacyclovir right away. Antivirals are most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash first appearing.
2. Keep the Rash Clean and Covered: Wash the blisters gently with mild soap and water. Cover the rash with a non-stick, sterile bandage to prevent passing the virus to others. Avoid scratching or popping the blisters.
3. Minimize Friction and Irritation: Wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers (like cotton) to reduce skin friction against active blisters.
4. Use Cold Compresses: Apply cool, damp washcloths to the rash for 15-20 minutes several times a day to relieve itching and reduce localized burning sensations.

Q: Is shingles contagious?
A: A person with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to anyone who isn't immune to chickenpox (usually through direct contact with open sores). The exposed person would develop chickenpox, not shingles.

Q: Can I get shingles more than once?
A: Yes, it is possible to have shingles more than once, although most people only experience it once.