Development of Shingles Rash

A shingles rash may appear suddenly and is usually located on one side of the body. Anyone who has ever had the chickenpox is at risk for development of shingles at a later time. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Americans make approximately 2.1 million doctor visits each year because of complications from shingles. Adults older than 65 are seven times more likely than younger people to suffer from shingles.

Identification

• Shingles is caused by the same virus (herpes zoster) that causes chickenpox. This virus continues to linger after the chickenpox subsides and will always be present in the body.

Causes

• The cause of the shingles rash may be stress or immune deficiency (such as with cancer treatment). The herpes zoster virus reactivates and causes the shingles rash.

Symptoms

• Pain may be experienced for several days before the shingles rash appears. The rash starts as small red blisters that continue to break out for 3 to 5 days. It may appear on one side or in a band around the body. Outbreaks can last 3 or 4 weeks.

Effects

• Pain that results from a shingles rash can be severe. Occasionally, there may be severe pain with no rash. This can make the diagnosis of shingles difficult. The shingles rash is contagious and may be spread to people who have not had the chickenpox. The newly infected person would develop the chickenpox, not shingles.

Treatment

• Some antiviral medications may shorten the duration of shingles. This medication must be started early to be effective. Some patients may be given potent pain medication to help manage their pain.