Shingles is a skin disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is characterized by a rash or a proliferation of blisters, which can be quite painful.

What Are The Symptoms of Shingles?

Shingles first presents as a tingling or burning in a localized area (sometimes combined with itching or numbness), and it is only on one side of the body. Then several days later, a chicken pox-like rash comprised of fluid-containing blisters appears in that area. At this point, there is often significant pain in the area of the rash, described as sharp, jabbing, and burning. After the initial rash of shingles goes away, nerve pain may persist. This is called postherpetic neuralgia.

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chicken pox. After a person gets chicken pox, the virus is thought to migrate from the skin into the nerves (specifically, a part of the nerve called the dorsal root ganglion). Once there, it lies dormant, often for many years. Stress or a compromised immune system can then “activate” the dormant virus, resulting in an attack of shingles.

Who Is Likely To Get Shingles?

• Immunocompromised patients
• HIV/AIDS patients
• Cancer patients on chemotherapy
• Patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, such as transplant recipients
• Elderly Patients
• Patients experiencing trauma or stress

What Does Treatment for Shingles Involve?

First line treatment for shingles involves antiviral drugs. The main ones are:

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famcyclovir

Treatment for the pain of postherpetic neuralgia often uses a medication like gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica).

What Are The Advantages Of Treatment?

Treatment inhibits reproduction of the virus, helping clear up the shingles over time.

How Long Does It Take?

Different patients respond differently; however, about 3-5 weeks are necessary in order for the lesions and the pain to resolve.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

A full course of antivirals should be 7-10 days.

When Will I See Results?

You will not see results right away. Shingles, like many virus-caused diseases, is difficult to defeat.

What Are My Alternatives to Treat Shingles

There are no good alternatives to the treatments described above.

Will I Have Pain?

Unfortunately, one of the hallmarks of shingles is pain. Proper treatment is directed at the management of this pain.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You need not miss work or school.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

One of our board-certified dermatologists will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Shingles Treatment?

Insurance should cover this condition and any approved treatments.