Shingles is more common (and more uncomfortable) than many people realize. Caused by the same virus that leads to chickenpox, shingles can result in a painful, blistering rash and a whole slew of other symptoms, sometimes even with lasting neurological problems and vision loss. Because of this, dermatologists strongly recommend vaccination for many adults.
Do You Need the Shingles Vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is recommended for:
- Adults 50 and older
- Adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems
Even if you feel healthy, higher age increases your risk because the immune system naturally weakens over time.
What If You’ve Had Chickenpox?
If you’ve ever had chickenpox, you are at risk for developing shingles. It doesn’t matter how long ago you had it, even if you were just a baby—chickenpox leaves behind dormant virus in your nerve cells that can reactivate years or even decades later, causing you to develop shingles.
If you’ve had the chickenpox vaccine, your lifetime risk of developing shingles is lower, but the vaccine does not eliminate your risk entirely. So even if you have been vaccinated against chickenpox, dermatologists still recommend the shingles vaccine for those listed above.
What Does the Shingles Vaccine Actually Do?
The shingles vaccine works by boosting your immune system’s ability to keep the virus inactive. If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus is already dormant in your body, so the goal of the vaccine is to prevent it from reactivating. For those who have been vaccinated against chickenpox, the shingles vaccine provides an added layer of protection by strengthening your immune response as you age.
In clinical studies, the shingles vaccine has been shown to:
- Significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles
- Lower the chance of severe symptoms if shingles does occur
- Greatly reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (long-term nerve pain) after shingles
Why Shingles Is Worth Preventing
Symptoms of shingles can be very uncomfortable, much more so than chickenpox. Shingles typically manifests as a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body, often accompanied by burning, tingling, or sensitivity in the skin. Some people also experience symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or headaches. However, the biggest concern is the potential for complications, including:
- Neurological problems
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can last months or even years
- Skin infections
- Vision problems (even vision loss) if the rash affects the eye
Treatment Helps, But Prevention Is Better
If you do develop shingles, early treatment is critical. Antiviral medications can speed healing and reduce the risk of complications, especially when started early. Other treatments can ease symptoms and may include pain-relieving medications, topical therapies, and supportive care like cool compresses.
Remember that even with treatment, shingles can be painful and put you at risk of lasting complications. If you’re over 50 or have a weakened immune system, getting the shingles vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect your health.
If you have questions about shingles or the vaccine, call Medovate Dermatology at (847) 499-5500. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your skin and overall health.