The same virus that causes chickenpox causes shingles, a disease that affects nerves and causes pain and blisters in adults. The virus remains in your body after you have had chickenpox and many adults will never deveop shingles. However, about 20% people who have had chickenpox will get shingles later in life.
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the first symptoms of shinglesmay seem like the flu. A rash will appear and usually is confined to one side of the face or body. While symptoms may vary, the American Medical Association states most people report some or all of the following:
- Burning, tingling, or numbness of the skin
- Feeling sick, such as chills, fever, upset stomach, or headache
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Skin that is sensitive to touch
- Mild itching to severe pain
Call your health provider as soon as you think you may have shingles because the sooner treatment begins, the better it works. Although there is no cure for shingles, medications that fight the virus may help and there may be things that can be done to reduce pain. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a shingles vaccine, Zostavax, for use in people 60 and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults over 60 to ask their health provider about the shingles vaccine.
Shingles itself isn't contagious. You can't catch shingles from someone who has it. But, you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles. If you've never had chickenpox, stay away from anyone who has shingles.
If you have shingles, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends:
- Get enough rest, avoid stress and eat well-balanced meals.
- Dip a washcloth in cool water and apply it to your blisters to ease the pain and help dry the blisters.
- Do things that take your mind off your pain.
- Relax.
For more information, visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the Nationanl Institutes of Health.
