But even though it's true you're now inoculated against chickenpox for life, there's one pox-related complication you may not have considered: Shingles. Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus varicella-zoster virus, or VZV , and causes a painful, itchy rash in one place on the body.
Shingles is most common in adults over 50 years of age; in fact, about half of people over age 80 may experience it. Shingles often begins as pain and itching in the skin before a red rash appears one to two days later, with small, water-filled blisters. These blisters soon rupture and scar over, healing and fading over the course of a few weeks.
This process can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, making even the littlest actions difficult. There is a vaccine available to prevent shingles, and it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC for healthy adults over age In addition, although the shingles rash usually clears in a few weeks, some people can experience pain, numbness, itching and tingling that can last months or even years.
According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology Academy , common signs and symptoms of shingles include:. If you suspect you have shingles, avoid contact with women who are pregnant and anyone who has not had chickenpox or has not been vaccinated, and see a board-certified dermatologist right away. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one million Americans experience shingles each year, and the disease is most common in older adults. A vaccine, which can help prevent shingles, is available to people ages 50 and older, and it is recommended by dermatologists.
All rights reserved. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Avoid close contact with people until the blisters have healed. It is very important for you to avoid contact with anyone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. Pregnant women, young babies, and anyone else who has a hard time fighting infection such as someone with HIV, diabetes, or cancer is especially at risk. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have a new or higher fever.
You have a severe headache and a stiff neck. You lose the ability to think clearly. The rash spreads to your forehead, nose, eyes, or eyelids. You have eye pain, or your vision gets worse. You have new pain in your face, or you cannot move the muscles in your face. Blisters spread to new parts of your body. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if: The rash has not healed after 2 to 4 weeks.
You still have pain after the rash has healed. Current as of: September 23, Home About MyHealth. Tell patients not to open the blisters, which can cause permanent scarring. They should cover the rash with nonstick sterile bandages. Alternatively, the patient can wear loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing to allow the skin to breathe. Physical and emotional stress can weaken the immune system and act as a trigger for shingles. Stress can also cause a patient to feel the physical symptoms more intensely and suppress the immune system, delaying recovery and leading to serious complications like postherpetic neuralgia.
Encourage patients to engage in activities that they enjoy to help them relax and shift their focus away from their pain. Simple exercises like meditation, stretching, and walking, as well as visiting with loved ones, listening to music, working on a favorite hobby, and getting plenty of rest are all recommended.
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