Are Shingles Contagious?

Are there shingles complications?

If you concerned about shingles complications, what should be included on that list. We always hope for the best outcome possible but sometimes there may be a turn of events that are unforeseen. When learning about any medical condition, it is good to learn about all aspects so that you can fully understand the circumstances of the ailment.

The same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. The Varicella zoster virus can be activated by a number of shingles causes from stress to a medication. When the virus becomes active, there are a number of symptoms that can and will result. For most that do unfortunately experience shingles, severe complications are rare.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that of those who do get shingles, about 1/3 of these individuals will incur shingles complications and some can be very serious and can remain the shingles contagious period for quit some time. In fact, for those over the age of 60 the shingles complications can be more serious than those who are under 60. The complications and severity of each that can occur can vary from person to person. Some shingles complications that commonly occur are discussed below.

The most common Shingles Complications:

PHN (Postherpetic neuralgia – This is probably the most common of all possible complications that may occur. This condition causes severe, even debilitating, pain in the locations in which the sufferer had the rash. Nerve fibers that were damaged send messages of pain to the brain in error. This can even occur after the rash has healed. PHN usually lasts for several weeks to a few months; in rare instances it can last for years.

Eyes and Ears – When one of our 5 senses is affected, we are simply not happy. We rely heavily on each sense every day. Shingles complications can affect the sufferer’s vision and/or hearing if shingles occur on the face. There can be pain in the eyes and infections can occur; severe complications result in a total loss of both the vision in the affected eye and hearing in the affected ear.

There is actually a shingles condition of the eye called ophthalmic shingles. It is when an infection of the shingles virus attacks the eye. Usually it’s the cornea that is affected which causes the loss of sight.

Neurological – Nerves are very sensitive and when negatively affected, they can cause a number of problems. In the case of shingles, some complications are but not limited to: facial paralysis, inflammation of the brain, Meningitis, loss of muscle control and motor functions and interruption of balance.

Skin Infections – Due to the rash being extreme, blisters that form can open and be at high risk to infections. Possible types of infections are: Erysipelas, Folliculitis and Impetigo. If the rash is properly treated and covered, the risk of infections is dramatically lowered.

Other Shingles Complications – The types of complication will vary but some other issues that could arise are: Allodynia (pain that from unusual source), pneumonia, postherpetic neuralgia (causes a lengthy burning pain), Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (inflammation of nerves extending from the brain), scarring and even death.

Is Shingles Contagious?

Only during a short time and mostly to those who have not had the chicken pox.

How do you cure Shingles?

There is a natural cure for shingles that will help provide shingles pain relief within a couple of days.  I had shingles and they started clearing up within 24 hours using the methods described in the eBook “Fast Shingles Cure“.  If you are suffering, it is well worth it to take a look and try it

This article was to provide information only and if you have any concerns, please talk to your doctor. The shingles complications noted herein seem extreme, and they can be, but with prompt medical attention the complications should quickly dwindle.

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