Health for the Whole Family
December 2013
Shining a Light on Shingles
Have you had chickenpox? If you have, then there’s a chance you could develop shingles, a very
painful, blistering skin rash that is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes
chickenpox. With one million cases diagnosed each year in the United States and one in three people
estimated to get it in their lifetime, shingles is not an uncommon ailment. Jane-Marie Raley, DO, an
osteopathic Family physician from Orlando, FL tells us who is most vulnerable to shingles and
provides tips to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Who is at risk?
“Shingles is a risk for anyone who’s ever had chickenpox, particularly older adults and people who
have a weakened immune system,” explains Dr. Raley. “After a person recovers from chickenpox,
the virus can lay dormant for years, then reactivate and produce shingles,” says Dr. Raley. So does
that mean people who have never had chickenpox or who got the chickenpox vaccine are in the
clear? Not necessarily, explains Dr. Raley “While people who have never had chickenpox cannot
develop shingles, they can develop chickenpox by coming in contact with shingles.” Dr. Raley warns
those who have not had chickenpox, or who have never had the chickenpox vaccine, to avoid
touching the rash or blisters on a person with shingles. She also recommends that adults 50 years or
older speak with their physician about Zostavax, an immunization designed to reduce the risk of
getting shingles. “This vaccine decreases the risk for shingles in older adults by boosting the immune
response against the shingles virus.”
What are the common symptoms?
Shingles symptoms might be difficult to detect in the early stages. However, according to Dr. Raley,
there are some tell-tale signs, including:
● Pain, burning, numbness or tingling
● A red rash or stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of your torso, or
occurs around one eye, or on one side of the neck or face
● Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over within two to three weeks
● Itching
● Fever and chills
● General achiness
● Joint pain
● Swollen glands
● Headache
● Fatigue
“Shingles symptoms vary in severity and some people can experience shingles pain without ever
developing a rash. That is why it is important to consult a physician if you notice any changes in
your body,” explains Dr. Raley
When should you consult a physician?
If you notice a persistent pain or a widespread itchy rash on your body, Dr. Raley recommends
scheduling an immediate appointment with your primary health care provider. “For people over 60,
it is especially important to get medical care at the first signs of shingles, as sometimes pain in the
affected area can linger months to years following an outbreak if the nerves have been damaged,”
explains Dr. Raley. Immediate care is also crucial in preventing possible complications, such as:
● Vision loss - a possible result of eye infections caused by shingles in or around an eye
● Neurological problems - i.e. inflammation of the brain, facial paralysis, or hearing/ balance
problems
● Post-herpetic neuralgia – a painful condition that may result from shingles and last for
many weeks or months, even after the rash has disappeared
● Skin infections - occur when shingles blisters aren't properly treated
What is the treatment for shingles?
“While there is no cure for shingles, prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs and pain
medicine can speed healing and reduce the risk of complications,” explains Dr. Raley. She adds that
good home care also can also help you feel better faster. “Keep sores clean, take your medicines as
directed, and be upfront with your doctor about chronic pain or lingering symptoms.”
As you age, your immune may not always provide as strong a defense against diseases such as
shingles. “This makes it imperative for older adults to continue to schedule regular visits with a
health care provider, especially at the first sign of a shingles symptom,” advises Dr. Raley. “An open
dialogue with your physician is the first step in closing the shingles chapter of your life.”
Preventive medicine is just one aspect of care osteopathic physicians provide. DOs are fully licensed
to prescribe medicine and practice in all specialty areas, including surgery. DOs are trained to
consider the health of the whole person and use their hands to help diagnose and treat their patients.