Shingles
Herpes Zoster Infection
Shingles or herpes zoster is often a painful skin rash. It is caused by a germ called varicella zoster virus. The shingles virus infects a nerve and the skin that the nerve supplies. It most often affects only one side of the body. The face, around the eyes, and the forehead are often involved. The pain, itching, and rash make people feel uncomfortable. First, you feel pain and then a rash appears as fluid-filled blisters. The fluid in the blisters can infect other people who have never had chicken pox or a vaccine. Those people will develop chicken pox, not shingles. It is important to keep the blisters covered until they dry, heal, and scabs form. Once the blisters dry, you cannot pass the infection to anyone. It may take 3 to 4 weeks for the scabs to fully heal.
Name
Shingles
About this topic
Shingles or herpes zoster is often a painful skin rash. It is caused by a germ called varicella zoster virus. The shingles virus infects a nerve and the skin that the nerve supplies. It most often affects only one side of the body. The face, around the eyes, and the forehead are often involved. The pain, itching, and rash make people feel uncomfortable. First, you feel pain and then a rash appears as fluid-filled blisters. The fluid in the blisters can infect other people who have never had chicken pox or a vaccine. Those people will develop chicken pox, not shingles. It is important to keep the blisters covered until they dry, heal, and scabs form. Once the blisters dry, you cannot pass the infection to anyone. It may take 3 to 4 weeks for the scabs to fully heal.
What drugs may be needed?
Help with pain,Ease itching,Fight the virus,Keep your eye moist,Numb the affected part
What problems could happen?
Very bad pain that lasts after the rash goes away,Some other infection,Eye problems,Hearing problems
Body systems
Emergency Medicine,Neuromuscular and Skeletal
What are other common names?
Herpes Zoster Infections,HZO,PHN,Post-herpetic Neuralgia,Postherpetic Neuralgia,Varicella Zoster Virus Infections,Varicella-Zoster Virus Infections,VZV,Zoster,Zoster-Associated Pain
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
New! No Prescription? No problem.
Affordable Online Care is here! Answer a few questions about your concern and receive a treatment plan in as little as 15 minutes, from a board-certified provider, 100% online.
Learn more