by Gloria Gibson

Created on: July 12, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection of the nerve roots. People that are at risk for shingles virus are those that have had chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus becomes dormant or sleeps until a later time when it reactivates itself. The shingles virus travels along the nerve roots in the body that bring sensation to the skin. There is a separate pathway of nerve roots on each side of the body which explains why the rash shows up on one side of the body. Also, people over fifty and those that have weak immune systems due to stress or illness.

First symptoms of herpes zoster, also called the prodromal stage
1.) Headache
2.) Flu like symptoms without fever
3.) Pain, burning, tingling, numbness in the area around the part of the body with the affected nerve root. Can be several days or months before the rash
4.) Discomfort, usually on the chest or back, but can be on the abdomen, head, neck, or arm on one side of the body.
5.) Chills, stomach ache, diarrhea just before or right along the time as the rash appears.
6.) Can have swelling or tenderness in the lymph nodes.

Shingles symptoms of the second stage, also called the active stage:
1.) Rash that starts in a band or strip. Clear fluid filled blisters will be noted at first. The fluid in the blisters becomes cloudy after 3-4 days.
2.) Rash may occur on the forehead.

Possible complications of shingles virus are:
1.) Post herpetic neuralgia which causes chronic pain. Lasts for thirty days usually. Can last months or years. Symptoms are:
1.) Aching, burning, stabbing pain in the area of the healed rash
2.) Persistent pain that can last for months to years.
3.) Extreme sensitivity to touch in the affected area

Post herpetic pain most often affects the forehead or chest. Patient may also have difficulty eating, sleeping, or performing normal activities of daily living. Shingles disease may also cause depression.
2.) Herpes zoster ophthalmicus which is a rash that appear on the forehead cheek, nose, or around one eye. This condition can affect the eyesight in that eye. Treated by opthalmologist. Usually advises rest, cool compresses, antiviral meds.

If complication herpes zoster affects the nerves in the brain, complications then may involve the face, nose, eyes or brain. Treatment will depend on the location and the nature of the complication. All herpes zoster treatment will require physician care so a person would need to go to their family doctor or clinic at first sign of herpes zoster. Treatment will also be prescribed such as antiviral meds like acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir. If started within two days of the rash, complications can usually be avoided. Doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids such as prednisone, Pain meds such as codeine, oxycodone, or morphine if in the hospital. Antidepressants may also be needed. Some doctors prescribe Neurontin or lyrica for nerve pain. May also use lidocaine patch for local area of pain. In extreme cases, nerve block may be surgically obtained.

If you suffer with shingles virus, here are some institutions you may be interested in.

National Institute Of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NINDS
American Academy of Dermatology
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Chronic Pain Association ACPA

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