Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful viral infection that appears as a rash, typically forming around one side of your torso, although the infection can form anywhere on your body. A few days before the rash appears, you may experience tingling, itching, burning, soreness, or pain on a localized area on one side of your body. The rash usually appears with blisters on a red base in the same area as the symptoms.

There is a vaccine for preventing shingles, although it does not cure the onset of shingles. Once you have an outbreak, your dermatologist can recommend a plan of treatment to ease the pain of shingles and reduce the rash. Your dermatologist may prescribe anti-viral and pain medications to attack the virus and make you feel more comfortable while the rash heals. Your dermatologist may also suggest steps you can take at home to ease the itching and pain of shingles. If you believe you may have shingles, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your dermatologist can help you with pain management and help you heal faster. Avoid contact with women who are pregnant, anyone who has not had chickenpox or has not been vaccinated against the virus, and people who have weak immune systems. Once the blisters have completely scabbed over, the condition is no longer contagious.

If you are concerned about shingles, click here to schedule an appointment with our board-certified dermatologists or walk into Walk-in Dermatology at your convenience for immediate evaluation.