Shingles - the painful reminder of chickenpox

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When chickenpox goes away, the virus remains in the body in a dormant state. In some people, it stays inactive forever. In others, the virus “wakes up” years later and becomes shingles causing a rash that can be very painful.

Shingles is most common in older adults and people who have weak immune systems because of stress, injury, certain medicines or other reasons. Most people after recovering from shingles will not get it again and you can’t catch shingles from someone else who has it. However, if you have not had chickenpox and have not received the chickenpox vaccine, you can get chickenpox if you are exposed to shingles.

The first thing you’ll notice with shingles is as a rash of blisters that scab after three to five days. Shingles is contagious during this time, before the blisters start to scab. When the rash is at its peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to extreme and intense pain. The rash usually clears within two to four weeks. The pain can linger long after the rash has cleared, a complication known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Before the rash develops, there is often pain, itching or tingling in the area where the rash will appear. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills, fatigue and upset stomach.

Most commonly, the shingles rash starts as a stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of your torso. Sometimes the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face.

If you suspect shingles, contact your doctor right away, especially if the pain and rash occur near an eye. If left untreated, this infection can lead to permanent eye damage.

The severity and duration of an attack of shingles can be significantly reduced by immediate treatment with antiviral drugs such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir). These medicines are most effective if started within 72 hours of onset of symptoms.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, ease pain and control your shingles infection. Painkillers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are helpful for pain.

Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Dimetapp, Piriton and Claritin are very effective in countering the itching that accompanies a shingles rash. Hydrocortisone cream can also be used as a topical to reduce skin inflammation and help ease the itching and swelling of your rash as well as anti-itch lotions, such as a calamine-based Caladryl. Creams that contain capsaicin like Zostrix can also help to reduce the painful discomfort especially if applied to the areas around the rash. Always check with your doctor or pharmacists before using medications.

At home keep the affected area clean, dry, and exposed to air (without clothes covering it) as much as possible. Don’t scratch or burst the blisters.

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent shingles if you’ve had chickenpox. There is a shingles vaccine available that is usually given to older adults. It can lower your chances of getting shingles, help the rash clear faster and prevent long-term pain that can occur after shingles. 

The best thing you can do is to be aware and see your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of shingles.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. For helpful information, visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm.