The Effects of Shingles

Shingles is a condition caused by a recurrence of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. VZV is a herpes virus that becomes latent in nerve cells. A recurrence causes pain and a rash along the path of the nerve in which the virus was latent. In addition to the pain and rash, a recurrence of VZV can lead to severe and chronic pain known as postherpetic neuralgia and other painful conditions such as Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Pain

• The first and most characteristic symptom of shingles is pain that occurs along the path of the nerve in which VZV became latent after chickenpox. This pain, which appears along one side of the body, generally on the buttocks or on the midsection of the body, appears before a rash develops and varies in intensity from mild to intense.

Rash

• After the pain of shingles appears, most people experience a red rash that blisters; these blisters contain fluid and eventually break, crusting over. The rash also appears on the path of the affected nerve, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  Some people experience shingles without a rash; this is known as zoster sine herpete. Others experience a very small rash that may go overlooked; this condition is known as zoster cum herpete minimo. The lack of a significant rash makes shingles more difficult to diagnose.

Postherpetic Neuralgia

• Some people continue to experience shingles pain even after the rash and blisters have cleared up; this is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and the pain can be quite severe. According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms include sensitivity to touch and temperature, numbness or itching in the affected area as well as headache.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

• Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a reactivation of VZV in a nerve of the face. In addition to very severe pain, the Mayo Clinic reports that Ramsay Hunt can lead to damage to both hearing and vision as well as to the muscles of the face.

Other Complications

• A reactivation of VZV can affect other organs, including the eyes, the brain and the spinal cord. According to Seth John Stankus, MAC, MC, et al., ocular (eye) shingles can lead to conjunctivitis with mucous and pus, and inflammation of parts of the eye known as the episclera, cornea and uvea. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that when VZV affects the brain and spinal cord, the possible effects include meningitis and stroke.