Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Can You Have A Mild Case Of Shingles

Who Should Be Vaccinated With Shingrix

Mayo Clinic Minute: Don’t suffer with shingles

The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for those 50 years of age and older who are in good health.

You should get the Shingrix vaccine even if:

  • Youve had shingles already.
  • Youve been previously vaccinated with Zostavax . If youve been vaccinated with Zostavax, wait at least eight weeks before getting vaccinated with Shingrix.
  • You dont know for sure if youve ever had chickenpox.

Ask your healthcare provider, who knows your entire health history if getting this vaccine is right for you.

What Are Shingles Symptoms

Common symptoms of shingles are pain and a rash in a belt-like form that stops at the midline of the body affecting only one side. Symptoms of shingles progress from burning and itching sensations to severe pain at the location of the rash. Early shingles symptoms may include burning, tingling, or a numb sensation on the skin accompanied by headache, upset stomach, and chills.

Later stages include painful fluid-filled blisters that cause severe pain, fever, and severe itching.

Chickenpox Is Caused By The Same Virus

The same virus, varicella zoster virus, causes both chickenpox and shingles.

Chickenpox typically causes an itchy rash that spreads over the entire body, as opposed to just one side of the body or face like shingles. More than 99 percent of Americans born on or before 1980 have had chickenpox, per the CDC. If you dont know if you had chickenpox, check with your family doctor, who can review your records.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Rid Of Shingles Pain

What Are The Health Complications

The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia . PHN causes severe pain even after the shingles rash clears.

People aged 60 years and older who dont seek treatment for shingles are more likely to develop PHN.

Shingles can also cause serious sight problems if it infects the structures of the eye.

Other rare complications include:

How Long Does A Shingles Outbreak Last

Not Sure if it related to shingles, need your opinion : shingles

It can take three to five weeks from the time you begin to feel symptoms until the rash totally disappears.

  • First, a few days before the rash appears, you may feel pain in an area on your skin. The pain is described as itching, burning, stabbing or shooting. This usually happens before the rash comes.
  • Next, the raised rash appears as a band or a patch, usually on one side of your body. The rash usually appears around your waistline or on one side of your face, neck, or on the trunk , but not always. It can occur in other areas including your arms and legs.
  • Within three to four days, the rash develops into red, fluid-filled, painful, open blisters.
  • Usually, these blisters begin to dry out and crust over within about 10 days.
  • The scabs clear up about two to three weeks later.
  • Recommended Reading: Can You Get Shingles On Your Legs And Ankles

    If My Shingles Rash Is Mild Or Has Mostly Healed Do I Need To See A Doctor

    Its a good idea to see a doctor whenever you have a case of shingles, no matter how mild.

    Prompt antiviral treatment not only decreases the duration and severity of the rash but can also decrease the chance of developing post-herpetic neuralgia. Post-herpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles characterized by long-term, debilitating pain.

    If your rash has mostly healed, its still a good idea to see a doctor so they can monitor the rash for changes or complications, such as a bacterial skin infection that forms on top of your existing rash. This is known as a superimposed infection.

    Treatments For Other Problems Caused By Shingles

    In some cases, shingles causes long-term problems. Treatment depends on what the problem is.

    • Disseminated zoster. This is a blistery rash over a large portion of the body. It may affect the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, joints, and intestinal tract. Treatment is done in the hospital. It may include antiviral medicines to prevent the virus from multiplying and antibiotics to stop infection.
    • Herpes zoster ophthalmicus. This is a rash on the forehead, cheek, nose, and around one eye. It could threaten your sight. Get treatment from an ophthalmologist right away. Treatment may include antiviral medicines and steroid eye drops.
    • If the shingles virus affects the nerves that begin in the brain , serious problems involving the face, eyes, nose, and brain can occur. Treatment depends on what the problem is and where it is.

    You May Like: How Long Does It Take To Cure Shingles

    What Does A Mild Case Of Shingles Look Like

    Not everyone with shingles will develop a blistering rash. A mild case of shingles may include a red rash without blisters. The shingles rash and blisters are distinct characteristics of the illness. Mild cases of shingles do not usually cause headaches, fever, or fatigue.

    Whether mild or severe, pain is the most common symptom of shingles. Most people describe a deep burning, throbbing, or stabbing sensation. The pain usually subsides within 30 days.

    Psoriasis Forms Red Patches On The Skin

    How to treat shingles

    Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is easy to confuse with the shingles rash. As with the shingles virus, psoriasis forms red patches on the skin, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. One type of psoriasis pustular can lead to the development of blisters. Areas of skin affected by psoriasis often develop into silvery scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Treatment can help control the condition.

    Read Also: What Can You Put On Shingles To Relieve Itching

    Where Does Shingles Come From

    When you have chickenpox as a child, your body fights off the varicella-zoster virus and the physical signs of chickenpox fade away, but the virus always remains in your body. In adulthood, sometimes the virus becomes active again. This time, the varicella-zoster virus makes its second appearance in the form of shingles.

    Ringworm Causes An Itchy Red Circular Rash

    Ringworm is a skin infection that, despite its name, is caused by a fungus, whereas the shingles rash is caused by a virus, according to the CDC. Ringworm can cause a red, itchy, circular rash on your skin. It may also cause scaly, cracked skin and hair loss. The rash can appear on any part of your body, and it spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact or contact with an item contaminated with the fungus, like dirty clothes or a shower floor. Some forms of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter medication, while others must be treated with prescription antifungal medication.

    Also Check: How Do You Prevent Shingles

    What Should You Expect If You Get Shingles

    Shingles can be a very painful condition. If you think you have the symptoms of shingles, see your healthcare provider right away. Starting antiviral medications early can ease your discomfort and end symptoms earlier.

    A better approach to shingles is to take action and do what you can to lessen your risk of getting it. If you’ve never had shingles in the past, talk to your healthcare provider about getting the shingles vaccine. If youve never had chickenpox, talk with your healthcare provider about getting the chickenpox vaccine.

    What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Shingles

    Shingles Rash â Stock Photo © sframe #18627745

    Shingles causes a painful, blistering rash on your skin. If you get shingles, you may notice the following:

    • Before the rash appears: For 1 to 2 days before the rash appears, you may have pain, burning, or tingling on an area of skin where the rash will develop. Some people say they felt an electrical sensation on their skin before getting the rash.

    • Rash appears: A painful, blistering rash appears. It usually appears on one side of your body, often on the torso however, it can appear anywhere on your skin. Some people get more blisters after the rash appears, so it can seem that the rash is spreading.

    • Rash starts to clear: As the rash clears, the blisters may crack open, bleed, and scab over. For most people, the rash will clear within 2 to 4 weeks.

    Although the rash will clear on its own, treatment is important. Taking medication within 3 days of getting the shingles rash can:

    • Reduce your risk of developing other health problems, such as long-lasting nerve pain, pneumonia, or hearing loss

    Shingles rash on the face

    If you have a shingles rash on your face, immediately seeing a doctor for treatment could save your eyesight.

    Don’t Miss: How Does Shingles Look When It First Starts

    If You Have More Than One Area Of Blisters What Can You Expect If You Go To The Hospital

    Its important to note that most people with shingles dont need to be in a hospital, but if you do:

    • Youll be in a contact isolation room.
    • The door will be kept closed.
    • A sign on your door will remind people who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine not to enter.
    • The sign will also remind staff to wear gowns and gloves when entering the room.

    Can You Get Shingles From The Covid

    There have been a few reports of shingles happening in people who were vaccinated against COVID-19. The varicella-zoster virus was reactivated in these people.

    A note from Cleveland Clinic

    If youve had chickenpox, youre at risk of developing shingles later in life. Shingles causes a rash that is contagious and painful. The disease can have serious complications. The best thing you can do to reduce your risk is to get the shingles vaccine. The vaccines are safe and effective.

    Also Check: Does Medicare Part D Pay For Shingles Shot

    What Does Early Stages Of Shingles Look Like

    Shingles progress through several stages as the virus replicates in your body. Shingles start as a rash with red bumps, known as papules, distributed most frequently over your back and torso.

    Within several days, grouped blisters are present. Within seven to ten days, the vesicles dry up and crust.

    The early stage of shingles looks like small, red, raised, solid pimples or an inflamed rash. These are tiny, raised bumps on the skin. Eventually, these bumps blister and later crust. The beginning stages of shingles create tingling and localized pain.

    The early stages of shingles are also described as itching, burning, or deep pain. People who have had shingles also described the early stages as similar to the beginning of the flu.

    You Cannot Get Shingles From Someone With Chickenpox

    Shingles: What you need to know about causes, symptoms, and prevention.

    You cannot get shingles from someone with shingles or chickenpox.

    But you can get chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before.

    When people get chickenpox, the virus remains in the body. It can be reactivated later and cause shingles if someone’s immune system is lowered.

    This can be because of stress, certain conditions, or treatments like chemotherapy.

    Don’t Miss: Can Shingles Cause Dry Eyes

    Are There Natural Ways To Boost Your Immune System To Help Lessen The Chances Of Developing Shingles

    Stress is a risk factor for developing shingles, so limiting your stress can be helpful. Try meditation, yoga or other relaxation methods.

    Other things you can do include:

    • Eat a healthy diet.
    • Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
    • Dont smoke or use tobacco products.

    These are all tips for an overall healthy lifestyle, not just for reducing your chance of getting shingles.

    What Can Be Done To Prevent The Spread Of Shingles

    The risk of spreading shingles is low if the rash is covered. People with shingles should keep the rash covered, not touch or scratch the rash, and wash their hands often to prevent the spread of the chickenpox virus . Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious.

    A shingles vaccine is available for use in people 60 years old and older to prevent shingles.

    The older a person is, the more severe the effects of shingles typically are, so all adults 60 years old or older should get the shingles vaccine. The shingles vaccine is specifically designed to protect people against shingles and will not protect people against other forms of herpes, such as genital herpes. The shingles vaccine is not recommended to treat active shingles or post-herpetic neuralgia once it develops.

    Read Also: Gaf Timberline Weathered Wood Shingle

    How Does Shingles Rash Appear

    The typical red shingles rash and blisters follow pain, itching and tingling. The rash is usually limited to one side of the face and body.

    Shingles on the face, scalp, mouth and ear

    • Rash and shingles blisters appear on one side of the face, extending to the scalp and ear.
    • If the rash involves the ear, it can lead to hearing loss, imbalance and weakness of the facial muscles.
    • Shingles rash on the scalp causes pain while combing and bald patches.
    • Shingles can occur in the mouth, which is usually very painful, causing pain while eating and change in taste.

    Shingles of the eye and forehead

    • Rash and blisters appear around the eye, over the eyelids, once side of the forehead, extending to the tip of the nose.
    • Patients complain of burning or throbbing in the eye, with watering of eyes, swelling and blurred vision.
    • The pain may be present after the rash disappears due to nerve damage, but improves eventually. Without treatment, shingles of the eye and forehead can lead to corneal damage and vision loss.

    Shingles on the waist and back

    • Rashes and blistering appear over one side of the waist and the back in a stripe pattern, extending up to the lower back.

    Shingles on the buttocks

    • Shingles rash and blisters over the buttocks, usually on one side.

    Prevent Shingles With Vaccination

    My 29 Lives: Two Weeks of Pain from Shingles and Not Looking Like Stopping

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that almost all people ages 60 and older be vaccinated against shingles, whether or not they had chicken pox in their youth or have had shingles before, says Dr. Oaklander.

    The vaccination that prevents chickenpox in children was used to develop a similar vaccine that protects against shingles. It reduces the risk of getting shingles by about half, and shingles rashes that still develop are slightly less likely to cause postherpetic pain, or other serious complications, says Dr. Oaklander.

    People with especially weak immune systems, such as those with cancer or anyone undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, should avoid Zostavax since the vaccine contains a weakened form of the live virus. Because Zostavax has only been available since 2006, it is still not yet clear if a single vaccination offers lifelong protection, but at this time, no booster is recommended.

    A new shingles vaccine called HZ/su also may be helpful for older adults. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the vaccine was 97.2% effective among those ages 50 and older, and 97.9% effective for those ages 70 and older. And since HZ/su is not made from a live, weakened virus, it is safe to give to people with weak immune systems. This vaccine still needs to undergo further testing before it can be submitted for FDA approval, which may happen as early as this year.

    About the Author

    Read Also: Side Effects Of 2nd Shingles Vaccine

    How Is Shingles Spread

    A person must have already had chickenpox in the past to develop shingles. A person cannot get shingles from a person that has shingles. However, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles can be spread from a person with active shingles to a person who has never had chickenpox or had the chickenpox vaccine. The person exposed to the virus would develop chickenpox, not shingles. A person with shingles can spread the virus when the rash is in the blister-phase. The blister fluid is filled with virus particles. The virus is spread through direct contact with the rash or through breathing in virus particles that get mixed in the air. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious. A person is not infectious before blisters appear or if pain persists after the rash is gone .

    Can You Swim In A Lake Or Other Body Of Water With Shingles

    What about lakes or other bodies of water?

    If you cant ensure you will be alone, you shouldnt go swimming. Whether you want to take a swim in fresh or salt water, remember that neither will protect other people from the virus.

    In fact, its best to stay away from the beach entirely while you have blisters.

    National Institute on Aging .

    Make sure to take extra precautions when youre around people who havent had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it. Even one uncovered blister can spread the virus.

    Stay away from the beach or other places where you cant keep your rash covered.

    Recommended Reading: What To Do For Shingles In The Eye

    Do You Always Get The Typical Rash If You Have Shingles

    Occasionally, some people dont get a rash. If you have any of the other symptoms of shingles , see your healthcare provider sooner rather than later. There are effective treatments you can take early for shingles. Even if you dont have shingles, seeing your healthcare provider will help you get your condition diagnosed and treated.

    The Shingles Rash Usually Occurs On One Side Of The Body Or Face Most Commonly On The Trunk

    Treatment for shingles pain

    Its easy to mistake a shingles rash for another health condition that affects the skin. The shingles virus typically causes a painful rash and blisters, which can resemble many other skin conditions psoriasis, eczema, and hives among them. However, there are a few signs that your rash is more likely to be shingles than something else.

    To get shingles, you must have had chickenpox. Shingles, or herpes zoster, occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates after lying dormant in the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 out of 3 people in the United States will get shingles in their lifetime. While your risk of getting shingles increases as you age, anyone can get it if they had chickenpox, notes the CDC.

    About half of all shingles cases occur in adults age 60 or older, and the risk of getting shingles becomes much greater by age 70, according to the National Institute on Aging.

    Also Check: Where To Get Shingles Vaccine

    Popular Articles
    Related news