How to Protect Yourself from Shingles

No one likes having an itching rash. All the more, most people wouldn’t ever want to have a burning, blistering rash. Those are just a few of the symptoms of shingles, a nasty viral skin infection you might have if you’ve ever had chickenpox.

Shingles is a dermatological condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. While it is more common in adults over 50, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles.

The good news? You can take steps to protect yourself. Understanding its symptoms, risks, and preventive measures can help protect you and your loved ones.

What are Shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, often accompanied by nerve pain and other complications. In Southeast Asia, approximately 10.2 million cases of shingles could occur during the remaining lifetimes of people ages 50 and above.

It occurs when the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)—the virus that causes chickenpox—reactivates in the body. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t completely disappear; instead, it lies dormant in nerve tissues near the spinal cord and brain.

The name “shingles” comes from the Latin word cingulum, meaning belt or girdle. This is indicative of the characteristic rash pattern, often appearing as a band or strip on one side of the body. The rash follows the path of affected nerves, typically wrapping around the torso, but it can also appear on the face, neck, or other areas.

Shingles can be a painful and serious condition, sometimes leading to long-term nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and other complications.

Are Shingles Contagious?

You can’t catch shingles from someone else—but the virus that causes it can spread. If you’ve had chickenpox, the VZV remains dormant in your body and can reactivate later in life as shingles.

However, there’s a risk of transmission to those who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. If they come into direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters, they won’t get shingles, but they could develop chickenpox instead. This is why people with shingles should take precautions, especially around newborns, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Shingles

What Shingles Feels Like

Shingles is more than just a rash—it’s a painful and often distressing

experience that unfolds in stages. Here’s what you can expect:

Early Warning Signs

Before any rash appears, some people experience unusual sensations of pain, itching or tingling.

Shingles: Symptoms, Risks, and How to Protect Yourself

The Rash Appears

Within a few days, a red, blotchy rash emerges, typically in a band or strip along one side of the torso or face.

Blisters Form and Worsen

The rash quickly develops into clusters of fluid-filled blisters, similar to chickenpox.

Blisters Scab Over

After about 7–10 days, the blisters dry out, crust over and scab. This is when the risk of spreading the virus decreases.

Healing and Lingering Pain

It may take up to four weeks for the rash to fully heal, but for some, the pain doesn’t go away.

Risk Factors

Some risk factors that increase the chance of getting shingles:

Shingles and Its Complications

Long-Term Nerve Pain (Postherpetic Neuralgia – PHN)

The most common complication affecting one-fifth (21.1%) of shingles patients.

Even after the rash heals, damaged nerves can send pain signals to the brain.

The pain can be burning, stabbing, or shooting, lasting for months or even years.

It is more likely to occur in older adults (especially over 60).

Eye Problems (Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus – HZO)

If shingles affect the eye area, it can cause inflammation, scarring, and even blindness.

Symptoms include red eyes, blurred vision, and eye pain.

Seek immediate medical attention if the rash appears near the eyes.

Skin Infections

Open shingles blisters can get infected with bacteria, leading to cellulitis or other skin infections.

In severe cases, skin infections can spread, requiring antibiotics or skin treatment at the hospital.

Keeping the rash clean and dry helps prevent this.

Nerve and Brain Issues

In rare cases, shingles can cause facial paralysis (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome), hearing loss, or brain inflammation (encephalitis).

Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, severe headaches, or difficulty moving facial muscles.

Immediate treatment is needed to prevent permanent damage.

Shingles in Malaysia: Statistics and Insights

Prevention: The Shingles Vaccine

To prevent spreading:

Keep the rash covered.
Avoid touching or scratching the blisters.
Wash your hands frequently.
Stay away from at-risk individuals until the blisters scab over.

The best way to avoid shingles is through vaccination.

Shingrix – A highly effective vaccine (over 90% success rate), recommended for those aged 50 and above.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Protect Yourself from Shingles

Shingles is more than a painful rash—it can lead to long-term nerve pain and serious complications. The worst part about it is that you may already have the dormant virus inside you - you just don't know it yet.

Prevent shingles and take control of your health. If you or anyone you know is 50 or older, contact your doctor about getting vaccinated for shingles. LifeCare also offers a number of skin treatment and dermatological services that can make a significant difference in your recovery. Get a consultation today to stay healthy and live life to the fullest.

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