Who Is at Risk for Shingles?

Shingles can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox. However, certain factors put individuals at risk for developing shingles.

Risk factors include:

being 60 or older

having had chickenpox before the age of 1

having diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer

having had chemotherapy or radiation treatment

taking drugs that weaken the immune system, such as steroids or medications given after an organ transplant

Part 3 of 7: Symptoms

Symptoms of Shingles

The first symptoms of shingles are usually pain and burning. The pain is usually on one side of the body and occurs in small patches. A red rash typically follows.

Rash characteristics include:

red patches

fluid-filled blisters that break easily

a rash that wraps around from the spine to the torso

a rash on the face and ears

itching

Some individuals experience symptoms beyond pain and a rash with shingles. These symptoms may include:

fever

chills

headache

fatigue or muscle weakness

Part 4 of 7: Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing Shingles

Most cases of shingles can be diagnosed with a physical examination of rashes and blisters. Your doctor may also ask questions about your medical history.

Rarely, your doctor may need to test a sample of your skin or the fluid from your blisters. This involves using a sterile swab to collect a sample of tissue or fluid. Samples are then sent to a medical laboratory to confirm presence of the virus.

Part 5 of 7: Treatment

Treatments for Shingles

There is no cure for shingles, but medication may be prescribed to ease symptoms and shorten the length of the infection.

Medications prescribed for shingles may include:

antiviral medications, including acyclovir, valcyclovir, and famciclovir (to reduce pain and speed recovery)

anti-inflammation drugs (to ease pain and swelling)

narcotic medications or analgesics (to reduce pain)

anticonvulsants or tricyclic antidepressants (to treat prolonged pain)

antihistamines, such as Benadryl (to treat itching)

numbing creams, gels, or patches, such as lidocaine (to reduce pain)

zostrix cream, which can help reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain experienced after recovery from shingles)

Home treatment can also help ease symptoms. Home treatments may include:

rest

applying cold wet compresses to the rash to reduce pain

applying calamine lotion to reduce itching