Shingles

Shingles often begins with unusual sensations on the skin before a rash appears. Common symptoms include:

• Tingling, burning, itching, or pain in a specific area
• Sensitivity to touch
• A red rash that usually develops on one side of the body
• Fluid-filled blisters that later crust over

The rash most commonly appears on the torso but can occur anywhere, including the face.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles.

Shingles symptoms can vary, but many people experience the following stages:

1. Early warning signs such as itching, tingling, or pain
2. Flu-like symptoms, including headache or chills (in some cases)
3. Rash development within a few days, starting as red patches
4. Blister formation that fills with fluid
5. Scabbing and healing, usually within 7–10 days
6. Complete resolution over two to four weeks with proper care

Shingles can develop anywhere on the body, but it usually affects one side and follows a nerve pathway. Common areas include:

• Chest or abdomen
• Back
• Face or scalp

Less commonly, shingles may affect the eyes, ears, or internal organs, which requires urgent medical attention.

With treatment, shingles typically resolves within two to four weeks. While the rash clears, the virus remains inactive in the body and may reactivate again in the future.

Shingles itself cannot be spread person to person. However, the virus can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had it or been vaccinated, through direct contact with fluid from active blisters.

In most people, shingles remains localized. In individuals with weakened immune systems, the rash may spread more widely and become more severe.

Yes. While many people only experience shingles once, it is possible to have repeat outbreaks.

Although shingles belongs to the herpes virus family, it is not the same virus that causes cold sores or genital herpes. Each condition is caused by a different virus.

There is no cure for shingles, but antiviral medications can:

• Shorten the length of the outbreak
• Reduce symptom severity
• Lower the risk of long-term nerve pain and complications

Common antivirals include acyclovir, valacyclovir (Valtrex®), and famciclovir (Famvir®).

Shingles may resolve on its own, but treatment is strongly recommended. Early antiviral therapy can ease symptoms and help prevent serious complications such as nerve damage or vision loss.

The Shingrix® vaccine significantly lowers the risk of shingles and is recommended by the CDC for:

• Adults age 50 and older
• Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems

Avoiding direct contact with active shingles or chickenpox outbreaks may also reduce risk.

Treatment options may include:

• Antiviral medications
• Anti-itch creams or steroid lotions
• Oral corticosteroids
• Cool compresses for symptom relief

While shingles cannot be cured at home, symptoms can be managed with:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Calamine lotion
• Cool or wet compresses
• Oatmeal baths

Prescription antivirals and steroids can also be obtained through telehealth services like Future Now Rx after an online consultation.

Without treatment, shingles can lead to serious complications, including:

• Postherpetic neuralgia (long-lasting nerve pain)
• Persistent itching or sensitivity
• Vision or hearing damage if facial nerves are affected
• Increased risk of stroke or heart attack following an outbreak

Shingles is contagious only while blisters are open and leaking fluid. Once blisters scab over, the virus can no longer spread.

Yes. Shingrix® is a two-dose vaccine given two to six months apart. It is over 90% effective at preventing shingles for several years.

Common side effects include:

• Soreness or redness at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fever or chills

Most side effects resolve within a few days.

Prescription options may include:

• Antiviral medications
• Oral steroids
• Topical steroid creams

OTC pain relievers and anti-itch products can help manage discomfort, but they do not treat the virus itself.

Yes. Telehealth providers like Future Now Rx allow you to consult with a licensed medical provider online. If approved, your prescription can be shipped nationwide or sent to your local pharmacy.