you’re free to developshingleson the face.
The rash looks like a group of small blisters or lesions that can itch, burn, or tingle.
With treatment, the lesions and pain should subside in three to five weeks.
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Shingles on the face can lead to severe complications.
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You may also develop a fever before you see any visible signs of a rash.
Prompt treatment with antiviral medications can reduce the severity of the rash and prevent serious complications.
Causes
Shingles is because of the varicella-zoster virus.
Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles.
It may eventually reactivate and travel to the skins nerve pathways, causing shingles.
Researchers dont know exactly what causes shingles.
Complications
Shingles on the face may cause complications depending on where the rash and blisters appear.
Eye Problems
Ophthalmic herpes zoster can be a very serious condition.
Swelling of the cornea from shingles can be so severe it leads to permanent scarring.
In rare cases, shingles of the eye can lead to permanent vision loss.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia(PHN) is a painful condition that results when shingles damages nerves.
Because of the damage, the nerves will continue to send pain signals to the brain.
Up to 20% of people with shingles will develop this complication.
On the face, PHN might affect one or more branches of thetrigeminal nerve.
This is the nerve that allows for feeling in the face.
Any of the parts of the trigeminal nerve can be affected by shingles in the face or mouth.
Hair loss shows up when the shingles rash destroys hair follicle cells responsible for new hair growth.
With these cells damaged, the hair loss is permanent.
Other Complications
Shingles is associated with other complications, though much more rare.
These can includepneumonia,encephalitis(brain inflammation),bacterial infections, andstroke.
Left untreated, these complications can be life threatening or fatal.
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider for Shingles?
A diagnosis of shingles can be made with a physical exam.
Your healthcare provider might take a sample of the skin or fluid from a blister for testing.
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to avoid serious complications.
This is especially important for people who have weak or compromised immune systems.
Shingles vs.
Similar Conditions
Shingles can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions, but there are key differences.
Prompt treatment with medications and self-care is necessary to speed up your recovery and reduce the risk for complications.
Medication
Medicinal treatment for shingles includes antiviral drugs, steroids, and pain medicines.
Can you get eye drops for shingles over the counter?
There may be over-the-counter eye drops for shingles.
However, it is best to visit a healthcare provider for shingles treatment of any kind.
If shingles affects your eyes, you may be prescribed corticosteroid eye drops.
In some cases, pupil-dilating eye drops can accompany a steroid drop to reduce pain.
Shingles can be a very painful condition.
The best way to improve your outlook is with early diagnosis and early treatment.
Prevention
Shingles can be prevented with a vaccine.
The vaccine is also recommended for immunocompromised people ages 19 and older.
Summary
Shingles can be a very painful condition, especially if it is left untreated.
Fortunately, for most people, shingles is a temporary condition that will go away with time.
If you think you have shingles, you should reach out to your healthcare provider right away.
Proper treatment can prevent scarring to the face and long-term or life-threatening complications.
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