What if shingles goes untreated

People younger than 40 rarely experience PHN. Shingles may lead to serious complications involving the eye, including blindness. Very rarely, it can also lead to. Clinical description of the complications of shingles. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Shingles Herpes Zoster. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Complications of Shingles. How is shingles treated? Specific treatment for shingles will be determined by your healthcare provider based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history How long the shingles have been present some medicines are not as effective if given more than 2 to 3 days after the rash has appeared Extent of the condition Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the condition Your opinion or preference There is no cure for shingles.

Other treatments may include: Creams or lotions to help relieve itching Cool compresses applied to affected skin areas Antiviral medicines such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir Steroids Antidepressants Anticonvulsants What are the complications of shingles? The main complications that can result from shingles include: Postherpetic neuralgia PHN. The most common complication of shingles is called postherpetic neuralgia PHN. This continuous, chronic pain lasts even after the skin lesions have healed.

The pain may be severe in the area where the blisters were present. The affected skin may be very sensitive to heat and cold. If you had severe pain during the active rash or have impaired senses, you are at increased risk for PHN.

The elderly are also at greater risk. Early treatment of shingles may prevent PHN. Pain relievers and steroid treatment may be used to treat the pain and inflammation.

Other treatments include antiviral drugs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical agents. Bacterial infection. A bacterial infection of the skin where the rash happens is another complication.

Rarely, infections can lead to more problems, such as tissue death and scarring. When an infection happens near or on the eyes, a corneal infection can happen. This can lead to temporary or permanent blindness. Can shingles be prevented? When should I call my healthcare provider?

Key points about shingles Shingles is a common viral infection of the nerves. It causes a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin. It is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of The rash is typically affects just one area on one side of the body or face. Check with Medicare or your health plan to find out if it is covered. If you are unsure about the above criteria or have other health concerns, talk with your doctor before getting the vaccine.

Read about this topic in Spanish. MedlinePlus National Library of Medicine www. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke toll-free braininfo ninds. National Shingles Foundation shingles shinglesfoundation.

NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. Breadcrumb Home Health Information Shingles. On this page: What is shingles? What are the symptoms of shingles? How is shingles diagnosed and treated? How long does shingles last? Am I at risk for shingles? When should I get the shingles vaccine?

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