Shingles: How Early Treatment Can Reduce Your Risk of Serious Complications

Microorganisms are a part of all living things, and while many are helpful, such as the helpful bacteria in our microbiomes, many are harmful and lead to infections and disease. In our bodies, viruses are minute bits of genetic information encased in a shell, specifically made of RNA and DNA, in a substance called a capsid, which causes infection and disease.

They need a host to live, and the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a nasty microorganism that causes many illnesses, including chickenpox, meningitis, encephalitis, and shingles. The latter disease is from a form of VZV that stays in the body for years, and, left untreated, can be painful and cause harmful complications.

The extensive medical team at Riverhills Neuroscience serves the Norwood, Anderson, and Westside, Ohio, and Crestview Hills, Kentucky, areas, providing a range of medical services, including the treatment of illnesses such as shingles.

How shingles affects the body

Also known by the scientific name herpes zoster, shingles is what happens when VZV causes chickenpox and remains dormant in the body for many years after initial infection. When it does start affecting the body, you experience symptoms like reddish skin rashes, burning, tingling, itching, and numbness, often on the neck, torso, and face, in stripes on one side of the body.

These signs typically appear for up to five weeks before clearing up. A staggering 33% of people in America are likely to have shingles at some point, and the disease can recur at any time, though the risk of that is low.

Complications if left untreated

While the disease frequently resolves over time, there are many possible complications to look out for, including:

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)

Affecting 20% of people with this illness, and more likely in those over 50, this complication happens more frequently than any other. It causes stabbing, aching, or burning pain in the affected nerves and can increase your sensitivity to pain.

Vision and hearing complications

If you develop shingles on your eye or face, the risk is higher of experiencing vision and hearing issues, such as temporary or permanent vision loss, problems with hearing, and balance issues.

Encephalitis

Another possible condition caused by VZV, this disease causes swelling in the brain, and potentially leads to spinal cord infection, brain infection, or stroke.

Vasculopathy

This virus also has a risk of affecting your immune system, leading to blood vessel inflammation called vasculopathy, which raises your chances of a stroke.

Treatment options

The virus is incurable, but its effects on the body can be managed with various medical treatments. Corticosteroids and pain relievers can help manage pain and swelling symptoms, while antivirals (acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir) help reduce the damage the virus causes. 

Early treatment is crucial if you’re experiencing symptoms, especially within the first three days. This will help alleviate symptoms sooner, but it may take up to five weeks for the rash to disappear.

To reduce the impact shingles has on your overall health, schedule an appointment with the Riverhills Neuroscience team as soon as possible and stop the symptoms and complications in their tracks.