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Ask a Doc – Shingles with Garth A. Bennington, M.D.

Question:
My mother was recently diagnosed with shingles. What can I do to prevent shingles, and should I worry about her giving it to me?

Answer:
Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) occurs in almost one out of every three people in the United States during their lifetime. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes the chicken pox.

Shingles can occur at any age, but about one-half of all cases occur in men and women 60 years and older. Some people are at greater risk for getting shingles, including individuals who have a weakened immune system. Individuals with cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and those taking steroids or immunosuppressive medications after organ transplantation would be included in this category.

Shingles generally begins with unusual sensations that can feel like burning, itching or tingling in an area of the skin on one side of the body. Within one-to-two days, a blistering rash will develop in a band-like pattern. The pain from shingles can vary from mild to severe. The rash will generally last seven-to-ten days and then crusts over, much like the appearance of a cold sore crusting over. Unfortunately, in some cases, the pain may last longer than the rash.

It is not possible to catch shingles from another person. However, exposing individuals who have not had or been vaccinated for chicken pox can cause them to develop chicken pox. Exposure occurs by direct (skin-to-skin) contact with a shingles blister or from inhaling the virus by breathing close to a blister.

Several anti-viral medications are available to treat the virus. These medications help shorten the length and severity of the illness. They should be started as soon as the diagnosis is made. In the event that pain medications are required, general pain medications can be used in addition to medications that can help target the nerve pain directly.

Fortunately, shingles can be prevented. Those who have shingles should wash their hands frequently and keep the rash covered. They should avoid those individuals listed above who are at risk for developing the virus. The rash is no longer contagious after it has crusted over. A vaccine is available to help reduce the risk of shingles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine vaccination of most people who are 60 years and older. Even people who have had shingles can receive the vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.

Educating oneself about shingles is important to prevent the development of shingles and reduce the risk of future complications. Complications of shingles include post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN can cause severe prolonged pain in the location of the rash even after it has resolved. In rare cases, shingles can lead to severe complications, such as blindness, pneumonia, hearing problems, brain inflammation (encephalitis) and death.

Understanding the treatment, transmission and ways to prevent shingles can reduce your risk of infection and serious complications. I would encourage you to discuss vaccination with your physician to reduce your risk of infection in the future.

| Posted On : 9/8/2014 1:47:20 PM