|  | Conditions Treatments | Herpes

Residual Effects of Shingles

Shingles, a condition caused by a flare up of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can lead to a number of complications. The most common of these is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition in which shingles pain persists after the rash has cleared. Shingles can also affect other parts of the body, causing lasting muscle damage or even internal problems.

  1. PHN

    • PHN is a condition which causes severe pain that lasts after the rash associated with shingles has already cleared up. With shingles, the nerve in which VZV has become reactivated can become damaged; according to the Mayo Clinic, this can cause signals from that nerve to misfire, causing severe pain. Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of shingles to reduce swelling in nerves, thereby reducing the chances of developing PHN.

    PHN Treatment

    • Because the pain of PHN can be quite severe, a number of methods are used to target it. The primary treatment for PHN includes lowered doses of tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Other treatments include the continued use of corticosteroids, narcotic (opioid) painkillers as well as nerve blocks, and topical relief that includes lidocaine patches and capsaicin cream, according to research from Dr. Seth John Stankus and others, published in the April 15, 2000 edition of American Family Physician.

    Ramsay Hunt

    • One of the most painful types of shingles occurs in the face; this is known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In addition to extreme pain, Ramsay Hunt syndrome may lead to permanent damage of the eyes and ears as well as the muscles of the face. According to the Mayo Clinic, the treatment of Ramsay Hunt is similar to that of shingles, but diazepam is added to treat vertigo. Botox may be necessary to allow the eyelids to close properly.

    Ocular Shingles

    • A condition known as herpes zoster ophthalmicus is shingles that affects the eye. This can lead to a condition known as uveitis, or inflammation within the eye. According to a monograph prepared in March 2003 by Dr. Anthony J.H. Hall for the American Uveitis Society, this can lead to chronic problems like the loss of eyelashes and scarring of the eyelid, scarring and loss of feeling in the cornea, damage to the iris, swelling of the retina and glaucoma.

    Encephalitis

    • Shingles can lead to encephalitis, or swelling in the brain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this generally happens weeks or months after an outbreak of shingles. Symptoms resemble those of stroke. Shingles encephalitis occurs mostly in people with weakened immune systems, as in people with advanced HIV-disease. The treatment of shingles encephalitis involves antiviral drugs along with the possible use of corticosteroids.

Herpes - Related Articles