Complications of Shingles

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. The virus remains dormant in the body after a person has chicken pox, and may appear later in the form of blisters on one side of the body. Most people get shingles when they are older, but the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that people who are immuno-compromised have a high risk of developing shingles. The disease may cause complications in some people, even after the virus has run its course.

Infection

• Skin infections may develop as the result of shingles blisters that are not treated in the correct manner. The skin affected by shingles should be kept clean, allowing the blisters to scab and heal on their own.

Vision Loss

• Vision loss may be a complication of shingles if the sores are located in or around the eyes and become infected.

Encephalitis

• A form of brain inflammation called encephalitis may result in some people who have shingles.

Hearing Problems

• Hearing may be compromised due to nerve damage that is sustained during a case of shingles.

Balance Issues

• Nerve damage from shingles can contribute to balance difficulties in some patients.

Nerve Pain

• Persistent nerve pain may linger after the shingles sores have healed. Shingles runs along nerve paths of the body, and may disrupt the normal messaging pattern of the affected nerves.