What Are the Dangers of Shingles?

Shingles, caused by a recurrence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a condition that affects both nerves and skin. Although shingles routinely has no complications, nerves can continue to be affected in several ways even after a shingles outbreak has cleared up.

Features

• VZV remains dormant in nerve cells, both after causing chickenpox and after shingles. The virus is never fully cleared from the system, allowing it to continue to have an impact on an infected individual.

Identification

• The complications of shingles are concentrated around the affected nerve, which might be on the torso or the head and face.

Types

• According to the Mayo Clinic, depending on the location of the outbreak, people with shingles can experience vision loss, encephalitis (brain swelling), trouble with hearing and balance, and loss of function in facial muscles.

Effects

• The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). In PHN, the pain of shingles lasts after the rash goes away. According to the Mayo Clinic, shingles sores can also become bacterially infected.

Management

• Individuals who believe they have shingles complications should see their doctors as soon as possible to explore treatment options.