Infectious Diseases - April 2015 Archives

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a common condition in which the virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus) reactivates after years of lying dormant in your body. As the virus reactivates, it causes pain and tingling and eventually a rash of short-lived blisters. "Shingles normally isn't a serious condition, but in some people the rash can cause an eye infection," explains Jeffery Wheeler, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System family physician. "Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles, while early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications." One complication is called postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause the skin to remain painful and sensitive to touch for months or years. When identified early, shingles can be treated with prescription medications that help shorten the infection and reduce the risk of complications. Dr. Wheeler says signs and symptoms of shingles may include: