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Diagnosis & Treatment

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

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How is Shingles Diagnosed?

How is Shingles Diagnosed?

Most of the time, shingles is easily diagnosed by the appearance of a distinctive rash and blisters. The blisters and rash usually appear as a band on one side of the body due to the fact that the virus travels through specific nerves. Tissue samples and swabs of the blisters may also be collected for laboratory analysis to confirm a diagnosis.

How can a primary care doctor help?

Your primary care doctor can help to address the symptoms of shingles and provide you with additional information on how to treat your symptoms. They may ask about the severity and frequency of your symptoms, when the symptoms began, and any other relevant information, including whether or not you have had chickenpox. If your primary care doctor believes further care is needed, they will refer you to a specialist.

How is Shingles Treated?

Treatments

Although there is no cure, several shingles treatments are available that can help manage symptoms. These include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and self-care remedies.

Medications

Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex) are often prescribed to ease the severity of symptoms. They can also shorten the duration of your symptoms and lower the risk of long-term complications, particularly if they are taken within the first three days of signs and symptoms appearing.  

Over-the-counter medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can relieve individuals experiencing pain or discomfort. 

Due to the pain shingles can cause, your doctor may also prescribe numbing agents such as topical treatments, a local anesthetic, corticosteroid injections, or nerve-blocking agents for neuropathic pain.

Self-care and lifestyle remedies

Stress is a known trigger for shingles, and reducing stress through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep can be helpful. Cool, wet compresses and cool baths can also relieve irritation and pain. 

FAQs

FAQs

Reactions to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac may cause the skin to blister and develop a rash and may be mistaken for shingles. Also, cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth or lips may be mistaken for shingles. Eczema, psoriasis, and hives are also sometimes mistaken for shingles due to the rashes and skin irritation they cause.

Typically, the symptoms of shingles do not last for more than 3 to 5 weeks. However, in its chronic stage, which is characterized by a recurring pain that persists more than 4 weeks after the blisters have healed, pain and discomfort can last for months or years.

The virus that causes shingles is contagious and can spread from person to person through the fluid from the blisters. This period where you are contagious will persist until the blisters have completely scabbed over.

The virus that causes shingles will remain in your body permanently, although it is usually in a dormant state. You can experience recurring outbreaks if the virus becomes active again.

You will not be contagious after taking the currently authorized vaccine, Shingrix. Unlike the older vaccine, Zostravax, the Shingrix vaccine uses an inactive version of the virus rather than a weakened version.

Yes. Only people who have had chickenpox can get shingles. The virus that causes shingles is present in your body after you have had chickenpox and will usually remain dormant. The virus can reactivate, causing shingles, though not everyone who has had chickenpox will develop shingles.

Shingles is usually characterized by itching, pain, or tingling, followed by a rash and blisters, usually on the face, torso or flank (upper abdomen or back and sides). The symptoms can vary in intensity and can range from relatively mild to extreme and in some cases can be debilitating.

Coming into direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters can spread the virus that causes shingles. If you have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, you can become infected and develop chickenpox. The chickenpox virus will then remain in your body and may result in developing shingles later in life.

Typically, shingles will start with a feeling of burning, tingling, or pain. This will usually occur on one side of the face or torso. After a few days, a rash will emerge, which will be followed by fluid-filled blisters.
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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Shingles Treatment

If you are experiencing symptoms of shingles, contact a doctor so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. At NewYork-Presbyterian, our dedicated team of healthcare specialists offers flexibility and care for your needs. NewYork-Presbyterian offers same-day appointments for critical needs and easy scheduling with early, late, and weekend hours. NewYork-Presbyterian accepts most insurance policies and can provide referrals to specialists as needed.

Our patient portal makes it easy for you to connect with a healthcare provider, view medical records, and manage appointments. Schedule an appointment or video visit today with one of our medical professionals or at a medical group location.