The herpes virus called varicella-zoster causes the illness called chickenpox. Once the virus enters the body, it never leaves. The virus lies dormant in the body along the nerves near the spinal cord and brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. The virus can reactivate and cause blisters and pain to occur along a nerve line. This outbreak of the virus, called shingles, usually responds to treatment using antiviral medications. Depending on the severity of the outbreak and the location in the body, complications may occur.
Infection
The shingles blisters form along the surface of the skin. The rash may cause extreme itching, and scratching can open the blister. If the blisters rupture, sores and scabs may form on the skin. A bacterial infection may occur in the skin. The skin infection requires antibiotics for treatment and may cause scarring on the skin. Infections are most common for individuals with compromised immune systems and the elderly.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Shingles outbreaks are painful. The pain usually decreases and disappears once treatment with antiviral medications begins. For some individuals, the pain continues after the blisters heal. This condition, referred to as postherpetic neuralgia, occurs because of damage to the nerves from the virus. In addition to pain, postherpetic neuralgia also may cause weight loss, depression and insomnia, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The symptoms associated with this condition, most common for individuals older than 50, normally resolve within several months to a year after the outbreak, according to the Merck Manual of Health Information. Medications help decrease the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia.
Vision and Hearing Problems
The shingles blisters may form on the surface of the eye, around the eye or along the forehead. Blisters found on the eye causes severe pain in the eye and may cause vision loss in the affected eye. The blisters also may cause infections in the eye. Shingles in or around the ear may cause hearing loss or balance disturbances. Early intervention by a physician may help prevent permanent vision or hearing loss.
Neurological Issues
If the nerves involved in the shingles outbreak are in or around the brain or spinal cord, serious complications may begin. The shingles can cause an infection of the lining of the brain, called meningitis. The shingles also may cause a stroke, encephalitis or paralysis of the facial muscles.
