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What Is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate years later, causing shingles. The shingles rash generally appears on one side of the face or body and lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
Effects of Shingles
During a shingles episode, the pain can be severe and interfere with your ability to go about your everyday life. Simple tasks like getting dressed, working, or showering can be difficult with shingles. The pain from the rash can affect your mood, sleep, and enjoyment of life.
What Are the Potential Complications of Shingles?
Long-term Nerve Pain
10% to 18% of people who have shingles go on to develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a chronic, often debilitating pain that lingers in the area where the rash used to be. The pain can last for months or even years before it goes away.
Vision Problems
In 10% to 25% of cases, shingles affects a nerve near the eye and may cause prolonged pain, and in rare cases, vision loss.
Other Potential Complications
Other less common complications can include scarring, infection, and partial weakness/paralysis of the areas served by affected nerves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shingles
Explore the GSK Help Center website to find customer service support and contact information.