Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for the chicken pox, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include a painful rash accompanied by a band of blisters that develops on the body. Complications occurring with the virus can cause lasting effects, such as post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain), vision loss and bacterial skin infections. Prompt treatment may help reduce the duration of the infection and lesson the chances of post-shingles pain and symptoms.
Post-herpitic Neuralgia
Post-herpitic neuralgia is a complication associated with the shingles virus, causing the pain of the shingles virus to continue long (months or years) after the blisters and rash clear, according to Medline Plus. The Mayo Clinic says the complications are caused by damaged nerve fibers that send confused and exaggerated pain messages to the brain, resulting in post shingles pain and symptoms. Treatments for post-herpetic neuralgia include pain relieving medications, antidepressants and anti-convulsants drugs.
Vision Loss
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) occurs when the virus reawakens and travels down the nerves in the head, causing face, neck pain and rashes on the forehead, eyelid or surrounding skin. As the infection progresses, the risks of it further invading corneal tissue are 40 to 50 percent, according to John Hopkins Health Alerts. The result of the advancement on the eyes may be keratitis (inflammation and scarring of the cornea), glaucoma, or cataracts, all of which can cause vision loss. People older than age 80 and those with a weakened immune system are most at risk for the shingles virus and post-shingles effects such as blurred vision or blindness.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections can develop after a shingles outbreak, resulting from poorly treated blisters. Blisters and pain occurring with the outbreak may cause considerable itching and irritation, causing you to scratch and pick at the skin. Blisters can burst and spread and lead to infection. Oral or topical antihistamines may be helpful for reducing skin irritation, accoding to Medline Plus.
