Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a type of rash that occurs due to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Although shingles usually resolve after a few weeks, complications can develop that affect the nerves, ears, eyes, or organ systems.
VZV is the virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox resolves, the virus lies dormant and can later reactivate, resulting in shingles. Shingles appear as small, painful blisters that develop on one side of the body or face.
Shingles generally resolve
This article describes complications that some people can develop following a shingles infection. These complications include long-term pain, eye or ear problems, or serious illness.
Shingles blisters typically form on one side of the body or face. Commonly, the rash first appears wrapped around the waist on one side.
According to the
The severity of shingles symptoms can vary from mild to very painful.
A rash on the face can cause long-term vision or hearing problems or brain inflammation. The NIA recommends seeing a doctor right away if a person has shingles on their face.
Learn more about what to expect from shingles.
Although shingles usually resolve in 2–4 weeks, some people may develop complications, including:
The most common complication is PHN, which results in nerve pain in the area where shingles have occurred. It develops in about 20% of people who have had shingles and is more common in those over 50 years of age. It can also occur during an active shingles infection.
This nerve pain may be intermittent or continuous. It can be stabbing, shooting, burning, achy, throbbing, or feel like a shock.
PHN can also cause small things that do not typically cause pain, such as a gentle touch or cool wind, to hurt. The area may generally be more prone to feeling pain.
PHN often resolves within 1 year after first appearing, and it may take longer or can be permanent in some people.
When shingles develop near or on the eye, including the forehead and nose, it can lead to infections on the eye’s surface. In some cases, this can lead to
If shingles are present on the face or if there is redness or swelling of the eye, a person should seek medical attention.
Shingles near the ear or on the face can affect hearing and balance and, in
If shingles develop on the face or head near the ear or within the ear itself, an individual should seek medical attention.
Although it is
If a person scratches open the blisters of a shingles rash, they may develop an infection. Infections
The virus that causes shingles can trigger the immune system and cause inflammation on the surface of blood vessels, known as vasculopathy.
For
While healthcare professionals prescribe antivirals to help prevent PHN, they can also recommend various treatments for the complications of shingles. Below are treatments for each complication.
Treatment for PHN involves medication. Doctors may prescribe
The goal of medication is to reduce nerve pain with minimal side effects.
Shingles that spread to the eye require prompt treatment to prevent vision loss.
Oral antivirals that a person takes within 72 hours after the first symptoms are effective at preventing long-term complications. Some common antivirals include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.
Treatment with corticosteroids is controversial. They can effectively treat pain and rash but can cause a rebound effect when a person stops using them.
Dry eye can further complicate healing. Doctors may suggest artificial tears, punctal plugs, bandage contact lenses, eyelid reconstructive surgery, and tarsorrhaphy — this involves the joining of part or all of the eyelids.
Doctors can treat shingles on the eye, which they call herpes zoster ophthalmicus, with oral antivirals and topical steroid drops. They will need to perform an eye exam using a slit lamp to examine the cornea.
Doctors prescribe antiviral medications to treat shingles of the ear, which is also known as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Common antivirals include acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir, and prednisone. Antivirals can successfully
Doctors prescribe intravenous acyclovir to treat
A person may receive acyclovir intravenously, through a vein, for a few days, then continue a course of oral acyclovir at home. The treatment period lasts
A history of chickenpox is the greatest risk factor for shingles. The chickenpox virus lies dormant in the body until it reactivates, causing painful shingles.
The second greatest risk factor is age. People over the age of 50 years are at increased risk of developing a shingles infection. Doctors recommend that people over this age or those over 19 years of age with weakened immune systems get the shingles vaccine.
People with compromised immune systems are
Learn more about the shingles vaccine.
If shingles develop near an eye or ear, a person should seek immediate medical attention.
They should also contact a doctor if they have nerve pain in an area of the body where the shingles rash does not appear.
If PHN is causing sleeplessness, depression, anxiety, or
With prompt treatment, the outlook is generally good for people with shingles complications. Medications are available to ease pain and help control symptoms, although they may produce some side effects.
The pain and discomfort from PHN may take up to 1 year to resolve.
The herpes zoster virus causes shingles — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person contracts chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the body until it reactivates and produces small, painful blisters on one side of the body.
Shingles can cause complications, particularly if blisters form near the eye or ear or on the face. It can also lead to PHN, which causes painful nerve sensations. Doctors often prescribe oral antiviral and corticosteroid medication.
Last medically reviewed on April 29, 2022
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