Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful skin rash. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox during childhood. After a person is infected with chickenpox, the virus remains in the nerves without causing any symptoms. It can reactivate years later due to a weakened immune system from age, other diseases, and stress. Shingles may be contagious to individuals who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. A rash often develops and may appear as circular bands on the body, usually the torso. The rash can tingle and itch and then progress to painful clusters of blisters which contain fluid, form a scab, and may leave scars after healing in 2 to 4 weeks. Some people may experience persistent pain, which is called postherpetic neuralagia.
The herpes zoster vaccine (Zostavax) is given as a single injection for people 50 years and older to only prevent the infection. If a person does become infected with shingles, oral antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valcyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir) are often prescribed to shorten the course of the disease. Gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) can be prescribed to decrease the pain.
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