What if shingles in untreated

Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing PHN or have any of these symptoms. Usually, PHN will lessen over time. Everyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles. Researchers do not fully understand what makes the virus become active and cause shingles. But some things make it more likely:. The current shingles vaccine brand name Shingrix is a safe, easy, and more effective way to prevent shingles than the previous vaccine.

Most adults age 50 and older should get vaccinated with the shingles vaccine, which is given in two doses. Medicare Part D and private health insurance plans may cover some or all of the cost. 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. This is especially important if you are at a higher risk for complications because you are an older adult, have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, or receive treatments that leave you immunocompromised.

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Table of Contents. What Is Shingles? Risks and Complications. Who Is at Risk? When to See a Healthcare Provider. Signs of Stroke A stroke is a critical medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment to reduce brain damage and other complications. Was this page helpful? Your healthcare provider will do a complete physical exam and ask about your medical history, specifically about whether you have ever had chickenpox. Your healthcare provider will likely know right away that it is shingles based on the unique rash.

The rash usually appears one area on one side of the body or face. It appears as red spots, small fluid- or pus-filled vesicles, or scabs. Specific treatment for shingles will be determined by your healthcare provider based on:. There is no cure for shingles.

It simply has to run its course. Treatment focuses on pain relief. Painkillers may help relieve some of the pain. Antiviral drugs may help lessen some of the symptoms and reduce nerve damage. Other treatments may include:. However, complications can happen. The main complications that can result from shingles include:. Two different vaccines are available to prevent shingles. Experts recommend vaccination for all adults 50 and older, even if you've had shingles before.

Talk with your healthcare provider about the most appropriate time for you to get vaccinated, and which vaccine is best for you. To reduce the severity and shorten the length of the illness, treatment must be started as soon as possible. If you think you have shingles, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes shingles? Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated.

After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Shingles is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of What are the symptoms of shingles?