Shingles

Shingles is the herpes zoster virus coming out causing painful blisters. These blisters are usually found on the side of your face or along a spot on your body where your nerves go.

There has been no treatment found to prevent or stop shingles, but early treatment can sometimes help make them less painful.

After you have had chickenpox, which is caused by the herpes zoster virus, the virus lies dormant (inactive) in the nerve cells found in your spine. For some reason the virus comes out again. It seems to come out when your body's immune system (part of the body that helps fight infection) is not working very well, like when you are under emotional or physical stress.

Home Treatment:

• The doctor may suggest some medication to help with the pain and to stop the rash from spreading.
• Keep the area where the shingles are clean and dry. Try not to pick at the blisters. Leave the area open to the air as much as possible.

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• Shingles on your face spread close to your eye.
• You have increase in redness, swelling, or you have a fever and you notice pus coming from some of the areas.
• The pain gets too bad to cope with.