SHINGLES

What are Shingles, and what are the symptoms?

Shingles is a very painful skin condition caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV – the same virus that causes chickenpox) that will affect approximately 1 out of 3 people in their lifetime.   Shingles usually starts with itching, tingling, and pain on one side of the body. It most often occurs in the trunk but may also affect the leg or the face. A typical blistering rash develops in the same region 1 to 5 days after the initial symptoms (itching, tingling, pain). The shingles rash will then scab over in approximately 1 week and resolve in 2-4 weeks. Associated symptoms may include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach.

Prevention

There is now a vaccine to protect against shingles. The CDC recommends that all patients aged 60 and older receive the vaccine.

Treatment

The primary treatment for shingles is an antiviral medication (acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir) to directly treat the virus. These medications are most effective when taken immediately after the onset of the rash.   Use of these medications may also help prevent post-herpetic neuralgia (severe pain even after the shingles rash resolves). Other treatments may include medications for pain, including NSAIDS, acetaminophen, hydrocodone, or other similar pain relievers.   Nerve pain medications such as tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants may also help control the pain from shingles. If the pain is extremely severe, a nerve block with injected steroids may be recommended by your Austin pain management doctor to help control your pain. Oral steroids have also been used to reduce inflammation from shingles and may help reduce the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia.

Risk of Transmission

The varicella virus is highly contagious, so patients with active shingles should avoid pregnant women, children, and infants who have not had chickenpox, and people who are immunocompromised (like those with cancer, HIV, or who have received an organ transplant). If you have shingles, your Austin Pain Management doctor at Capitol Pain Institute can help! Please call our office at 512-467-7246 to schedule an appointment, or contact us by email to request one.

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