The virus transmits through open blisters on the rash. The fluid in the blisters contains the virus, so if a blister dries out and scabs over, it is unlikely that the virus will transmit to anyone else. The immune system becomes less effective with age, so individuals over the age of 50 years may experience more complications from shingles.
Shingles presents as a rash in a single stripe of clusters of blisters. It appears on the left or right side of the body and usually wraps around the back and torso, tending not to cross the center of the body. People with a weakened immune system may find that the rash covers a greater area. A person may feel tingling, itching, or pain in their skin for several days before the rash emerges.
The CDC notes that the blisters typically scab over within 7—10 days, with the rash clearing in 2—4 weeks. If the rash is on the face and near an eye, a person could be at risk of impaired vision and even sight loss. This complication is more common in people with a weakened immune system. A person should contact a doctor for advice if they have a rash near their eyes. Blisters on the tip of the nose indicate that the virus is affecting the eyes.
In these cases, a doctor will need to check the cornea for infection, which could lead to permanent clouding of this part of the eye. People should speak with a doctor as soon as they notice shingles symptoms, as early treatment can reduce the healing time. Pain is a common symptom of shingles. A person can take over-the-counter OTC pain relievers to alleviate pain, or a doctor may prescribe a more potent pain reliever if the pain is severe.
A person can try applying calamine lotion and having an oatmeal bath to soothe the rash and blisters. People who experience sensations of burning, tingling, or itching may find relief from applying a wet flannel to the affected areas. A person should keep the rash as clean and dry as possible to prevent a secondary bacterial infection.
Covering the rash with a nonstick dressing can further protect the sores from bacteria. Currently, healthcare professionals give this vaccine to people aged 50 years and older. The HHS explains that a person needs two doses of the vaccine with a gap of 2—6 months between them.
As well as receiving the vaccine, a person should aim to keep their immune system as strong as possible by eating a nutritious, balanced diet and staying active. Doctors may not recommend the shingles vaccine for people with a severely compromised immune system.
The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia PHN , which is long-term nerve pain. A person with PHN may feel pain in the area of the shingles rash for months or years after it goes away. The older a person is when they develop shingles, the higher the risk of PHN. People younger than 40 years are unlikely to experience PHN. Recurrent shingles may be a sign that a person has an underlying health condition that is weakening their immune system. Some chronic conditions that researchers associate with recurrent shingles include:.
The virus can reactivate later in life as shingles. Shingles is also known as herpes zoster. Anyone who has had the chickenpox can later get shingles. Shingles can also erupt on your:.
An estimated 1 million people in the United States have shingles every year. About 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will get shingles in their lifetime, and 68 percent of these cases occur in people 50 years and older.
People who live to be 85 years old have a 50 percent chance of developing shingles. The first symptom of shingles is usually pain, tingling, or a burning sensation in the outbreak area. Within days, a grouping of red, fluid-filled blisters that may break open and then crust over occurs. Other symptoms include:. Recurring shingles has the same symptoms, and often the outbreak occurs in the same place. In about 45 percent of cases, the shingles outbreak was in a different place.
Data about how often shingles recurs is limited. A study in Minnesota over seven years found that between 5. In general, the research suggests that your risk of getting shingles a second time is about the same as the risk you had of getting shingles the first time. The amount of time between the first case of shingles and a recurrence has not been well-researched. In the study from , the recurrence occurred from 96 days to 10 years after the initial shingles outbreak, but this study covered only a year period.
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get shingles again. One study determined that the rate of shingles recurrence was 12 percent among people with compromised immune systems. This is about 2.
Having one or more blood relatives with shingles may also increase your risk of getting shingles. If you suspect that you have recurring shingles, see your doctor as soon as possible. Taking an antiviral drug like acyclovir Zovirax , valacyclovir Valtrex , or famciclovir Famvir can reduce the severity of shingles and reduce how long it lasts.
Your doctor may also prescribe medications to lessen your pain and help you sleep. These include the following:. You can also take cool baths with colloidal oatmeal to ease the itching, or apply cold compresses to the affected area. Rest and stress reduction are also important.
Although the incidence rate in the general population is about 4 cases per individuals, it increases to about 1 case per individuals among people who are 60 years and older. Immunocompromised people are particularly prone to relapse. The time period between an initial case of shingles and a reoccurrence can vary, but researchers have identified a 4- to 8-year window as most likely.
A study conducted in Minnesota reported that during an average of 7 years of follow-up, HZ recurrences were as common as HZ incident occurrences in the studied population, when matching for age, sex, and immune status. Shingrix, the shingles vaccine that was introduced in the United States in , is the first line of defense against shingles and its complications. As individuals age, their immune systems decline, increasing their risk of developing shingles. Shingrix works by helping the immune system defend against shingles.
The vaccine offers continued protection for at least 4 years.
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