An inflammation of the brain, most commonly because of viral infection.
Rarely, the varicella-zoster virus responsible for shingles can spread to the brain, causing encephalitis.
If left untreated, ophthalmic shingles may lead to permanent eye damage or even loss of the eye.
A chronic pain condition arising as a complication of shingles.
The pain is typically more severe than the pain of having shingles.
PHN itself isn’t dangerous, but it can negatively affect your quality of life.
The spread of a harmfulvirusinside your body.
In the case of shingles, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) usually strikes in childhood.
After that point, the risk of passing on the virus is much lower.
The rash area may be itchy and/or painful for weeks or months after the vesicles scab.
In general, a case of shingles may last for three to five weeks.
A few days later, the rash will appear.
The scabs will likely clear up in a couple of weeks, unless they’re reopened by scratching.
This is rare, however.
Prescription oral antiviral drugs are necessary and most effective within 72 hours of an outbreak.
Updated July 1, 2019.
2020 Jan;23(1):65-72.
Gershon AA, Gershon MD.Pathogenesis and current approaches to control of varicella-zoster virus infections.Clin Microbiol Rev.
60(5):781785. doi:10.1093/cid/ciu889
National Institutes for Health.
National Institute on Aging.Shingles.
Updated October 29, 2018.
2004;1(3):223232. doi:10.1093/ecam/neh048
