Understanding Shingles: Symptoms and Risks

Shingles is not just a rash. It is a serious viral infection that can cause long-term complications and reduce your quality of life. In this blog, we’ll cover what shingles is, its symptoms, associated risks and tips to prevent and manage it. 

We speak to Bradley Smiling, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Rose Creek, to learn more. 

“Understanding the symptoms and risks associated with shingles can help you take the right preventive measures or seek timely treatment,” Smiling says. 

What is shingles?

Key points: Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your body and may reactivate as shingles later in life.

• Shingles symptoms include a painful rash, often on one side of the body or face, preceded by itching, tingling or skin sensitivity.
• Higher-risk groups include adults over 50 and individuals with weakened immune systems due to illness or medication.
• Most people recover within weeks, but some may experience lingering pain known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Did you know that nearly one in three people in the U.S. will develop shingles at some point? Identifying early symptoms and knowing the risks can help you act fast and get treated before shingles pain gets worse. 

Recognizing the symptoms

What to know: The symptoms of shingles often begin subtly before progressing to a noticeable rash and nerve pain. Recognizing early signs is key to better outcomes.

• Common early symptoms include burning, tingling or heightened skin sensitivity in a specific area.
• The rash typically appears as red, blister-like spots that follow a nerve path (often forming a stripe on the torso or face).
• Additional symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache or stomach upset.
• Pain levels can vary and may be mistaken for conditions involving the heart, kidneys or lungs if the burn-like pain appears in the chest or back.

Important detail: If shingles develops near the eye or on the face, seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications such as vision damage.

The risks of shingles

Why it matters: Shingles is more than just painful. It comes with a range of risks that can significantly impact your well-being, especially if left untreated.

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): The most common complication, PHN causes persistent nerve pain even after the rash clears.
• Eye complications: When shingles occurs near the eye, it increases the risk of infections, leading to vision problems or, in severe cases, blindness.
• Secondary infections: Open blisters can develop bacterial skin infections that worsen over time.
• Rare complications: Shingles may lead to brain inflammation (encephalitis), hearing issues or even conditions such as facial paralysis in some cases.

Early diagnosis and treatment can minimize these risks significantly, so don’t ignore symptoms.

Who is at risk?

What to know: Shingles can affect anyone with a dormant chickenpox virus, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing it.

• Age-related: People over the age of 50 face a higher risk, with complications becoming more severe after the age of 60.
• Weakened immune systems: Conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases elevate the risk significantly.
• Stress: Younger people who have previously had chickenpox can also get shingles, with severe and/or long-term stress considered as a possible risk factor.
• Medications: Long-term steroid use or chemotherapy treatments can make you more vulnerable.
• Preventive step: Ask your health care provider about vaccinations like Shingrix if you fall into one of these high-risk categories.

Preventing shingles

The basics: Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself from shingles, especially for older adults or those with compromised immune systems.

• Shingrix, a commonly recommended vaccine, is advised for individuals 50+ or those with weakened immunity and has been shown to provide long-lasting protection.
• The vaccine requires two doses, spaced two to six months apart.
• While the vaccine doesn’t guarantee immunity, it often reduces the severity of symptoms and the likelihood of complications.

Pro tip: Schedule a discussion with your doctor to determine the best vaccination timing for your needs.

What to do if you think you have shingles

Key points: If you suspect you may have shingles, early action is critical to manage symptoms and reduce complications.

• Antiviral treatments: Medications can speed up recovery and lower the chances of developing PHN if started within 72 hours of symptom onset.
• Pain management: Use doctor-recommended painkillers or soothing creams to make the healing process more comfortable.
• Avoid spreading shingles: Keep the rash covered and refrain from close contact with people who haven’t had chickenpox or are immunocompromised.

Reminder: Seek immediate medical attention if the rash is near your eye or you experience severe pain.

Talk to a doctor near you

Shingles doesn’t have to disrupt your life. If you suspect symptoms or have questions about prevention, connect with a health care provider today. Use our convenient Find a Doctor tool to locate a provider near you and take the first steps toward effective care.

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