Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Can shingles be prevented?

A vaccine against the varicella zoster virus is available that reduces the chance of getting chickenpox. However, as shingles occurs in people who have already had chickenpox and the virus remains dormant inside the body, the vaccine cannot prevent shingles. Shingles can be avoided by maintaining a healthy body and a strong immune system.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is shingles?

Shingles is a skin rash caused by re-activation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the virus responsible for causing chickenpox.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

In the early stage of shingles, the symptoms may include pain, severe itching, sensitivity to touch and numbness in one area of the body. In addition, you may experience headache, sensitivity to light (photophobia), fever, chills, lack of appetite, …

Who gets shingles?

Shingles can develop in anyone who has been infected with chickenpox in the past. Risk factors for shingles generally include anything that weakens the body's immune system, including, but not limited to: being over 50 years of age; young age (first year of life); …

What causes shingles?

Shingles is caused by re-activation of the varicella zoster virus, the virus responsible for causing chickenpox. The virus can remain dormant in nerve roots for long periods of time, sometimes decades, before erupting again in people who have been infected with it.

How is shingles diagnosed?

Your doctor will usually identify shingles by the distinct pattern of the rash. If necessary, your doctor may choose to confirm the diagnosis with lab tests (usually done on a sample of cells taken from the rash itself).

How is shingles treated?

Shingles is generally treated with anti-viral medication. Additionally, supportive treatment, to relieve pain and prevent irritation, will be recommended.

Will shingles clear on its own?

Shingles will normally clear on its own after a few weeks.

Is shingles contagious?

When you have shingles, it is possible to transmit the varicella zoster virus to others who have not been infected with the virus previously. If this occurs, the person who is infected will develop symptoms of chickenpox rather than shingles.

What increases the chances of developing shingles?

Shingles is more common in people who are over 50 years of age; in babies under the age of one year; people who take immune-suppressive medications or who are undergoing chemotherapy; people who have existing diseases that affect the …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease which mainly affects children. Children who get measles typically have a fever, sore throat, spots in the mouth and a generalised skin rash. There can be serious complications from measles. Fortunately, it is now rare in developed nations due to the measles vaccine.…
Diseases & conditions

Hives

Hives is a skin rash characterised by itchy, red swellings. It can appear on the face, trunk, arms, legs, and lips. Hives are commonly a sign of an allergic reaction, which can be triggered by a range of factors. Depending on the duration and severity, different treatment options are available.…
Diseases & conditions

Tinea

Tinea, also known as ringworm, is a common skin infection with a characteristic ring-like appearance. It is caused by several types of fungus and can appear on different parts of the body including the scalp, chest, feet, groin, face, hands and nails. Tinea is very contagious but easily treated.…
Diseases & conditions

Psoriasis

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake, causing patches of skin to become dry, scaly and itchy. It’s a long-term condition that tends to flare up and then fade in cycles.…
Diseases & conditions

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that causes outbreaks of pimples and cysts, mainly on the face, back, arms and chest. It occurs when hair follicles become blocked with oil and/or debris, such as dead skin cells. Anyone can get acne, but it's more common during the teenage years. Treatment options are available to help prevent and treat acne.…
Diseases & conditions

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition which causes a red rash to appear on the face. It occurs due to enlargement of blood vessels under the skin. There are numerous treatment options to help alleviate symptoms.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 19 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 1302 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Measles

×

Content goes in here.