Shingles: Causes, Symptoms, and How It Spreads

Shingles Causes

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox, causes shingles. After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t entirely leave the body; it stays dormant in nerve tissues. The virus may lie dormant and turn up activated years later, leading to shingles. The reasons for this reactivation aren’t always clear, but it’s often linked to a weakened immune system, stress, ageing, or certain medical conditions.

People who have had chickenpox are the only ones at risk of developing shingles. However, those who haven’t had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it can contract the virus if they come into contact with someone who has an active shingles outbreak.

Symptoms of Shingles

A clear sign of shingles is a painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face. This rash follows a streak created by affected nerves and creates a band-like pattern. Common shingles symptoms are —

• Burning or shooting pain in the area of the rash

• Red patches of skin

• Fluid-filled blisters that rupture and crust over

• Itching, tingling, or numbness around the affected area

• Fever, fatigue, and headaches in some cases

While the pain from shingles can range from mild to severe, it’s essential to treat the condition early to prevent complications, including postherpetic neuralgia (a chronic nerve pain that can linger long after the rash has healed).

Early Symptoms of Shingles

The early shingles symptoms that you must watch out for includes—

• A numb sensation that also tickles the skin

• Burning or itching in a localised area

• General malaise or flu-like symptoms without a fever

• Sensitivity to light

• An upset stomach, in some cases

These pre-rash symptoms typically last between one and five days before the painful red rash develops. If you catch shingles in its early stages, antiviral treatments may reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak.

How do Shingles Spread?

While shingles itself is not highly contagious, the varicella-zoster virus can spread from a person with shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox. However, the exposed person would develop chickenpox, not shingles.

Direct contact with the fluid that oozes out from the blisters may spread the condition. One vital aspect to be understood is that the virus doesn't spread through sneezing or coughing like the flu. To become infected, someone must come into physical contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. Once the blisters have crusted over, the person with shingles is no longer contagious.

The risk of spreading the virus is higher when the blisters are still open and oozing. Therefore, it's essential for individuals with shingles to keep the rash covered, understand shingles causes and symptoms, and avoid close contact with people who are vulnerable, such as:

• Pregnant women who have not been exposed or vaccinated for chickenpox conditions

• Newborns

• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or individuals with HIV)

Key Points To Remember

• The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox, causes shingles.

• Virus reactivation: Years or decades after a chickenpox infection, the virus can reactivate, leading to shingles.

• Transmission: Shingles spreads via direct contact with fluid from the blisters.

• Only people who have had chickenpox are at risk of developing shingles, but someone without prior exposure to chickenpox can catch the virus as chickenpox through contact with shingles blisters.

• Risk groups: Pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals should avoid contact with shingles patients during the contagious phase.

• Early symptoms: Early detection of pre-rash symptoms, such as tingling, itching, and localised discomfort, is crucial in reducing the severity of the condition.

• Vaccination: Vaccines are available that reduce the risk of developing shingles or minimise the complications associated with it. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine if the vaccine is suitable.