Shingles is an infection caused by the virus varicella-zoster, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Even after chickenpox is treated, the virus may live on in your nerve tissues for years before reactivating as shingles. Shingles may also be referred to as herpes zoster.

Symptoms of Shingles

The first symptoms of shingles are usually pain and burning. The pain is usually on one side of the body and occurs in small patches. A red rash typically follows. Rash characteristics include:

- red patches
- fluid-filled blisters that break easily
- a rash that wraps around from the spine to the torso
- a rash on the face and ears
- itching

Diagnosing Shingles

Most cases of shingles can be diagnosed with a physical examination of rashes and blisters. Your doctor may also ask questions about your medical history.

Rarely, your doctor may need to test a sample of your skin or the fluid from your blisters. This involves using a sterile swab to collect a sample of tissue or fluid. Samples are then sent to a medical laboratory to confirm presence of the virus.

Treatments for Shingles

There is no cure for shingles, but medication may be prescribed to ease symptoms and shorten the length of the infection. Medications prescribed for shingles may include:

- antiviral medications, including acyclovir, valcyclovir, and famciclovir (to reduce pain and speed recovery)
- anti-inflammation drugs (to ease pain and swelling)
- narcotic medications or analgesics (to reduce pain)
- anticonvulsants or tricyclic antidepressants (to treat prolonged pain)
- antihistamines, such as Benadryl (to treat itching)
- numbing creams, gels, or patches, such as lidocaine (to reduce pain)
- zostrix cream, which can help reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain experienced after recovery from shingles)