Shingles is the informal name for a disease called herpes zoster. This disease is in the same family as herpes but is very different. After you have had chickenpox, this virus stays in your system but remains quiet, sometimes for many years. Herpes zoster results from a new activation of the chickenpox virus.

About 10 to 20 percent of the population will get an outbreak of shingles at some time. The likelihood increases as you age. You are three times as likely to get shingles after the age of 80 as you are before the age of 50. Men and women are equally likely to have an outbreak. You are much more likely to have an outbreak if you are HIV positive, if you have had an organ transplant, or if you have had spinal surgery. People with leukemia or lymphoma are also at high risk. These symptoms may appear before you even get a rash:

• tingling,
• itching, and
• severe pain.

Next, you may get these symptoms:

• a burning, painful rash, usually on the chest, arms, legs, or face that does not cross the middle of the body,
• low grade fever, and
• weakness.

Shingles is a very uncomfortable rash that begins with blisters which break open and dry out. This cycle can last from two to three weeks. Unfortunately, you can get chronic pain or weakness that lasts for months or years after the rash disappears. This happens to about half of all people with shingles who are over age 80. It is known as post-herpetic neuralgia. Medications and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are the most common treatments.

If you suspect you might have shingles, get treatment quickly. A medication called Acyclovir can help most if given early in the outbreak. If you get it early, it may help prevent post-herpetic neuralgia. Other treatment measures include those for pain and for any other skin infection caused by the shingles outbreak. Wet dressings and calamine lotion can also help, but a healthcare provider should examine the rash.

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