Shingles in Houston, TX

Shingles is a viral skin condition that represents itself as an itchy, painful skin rash that is a result of the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. We treat shingles, which can appear anywhere on the body. In most instances, shingles appear on the torso or on the side of the face as a line of blisters. While it is more common for older adults to develop shingles, it can also affect teens and young adults. Researchers believe that shingles are caused by a weakened immune system or a disruption within the nervous system. Our skilled and knowledgeable staff at Advanced Dermatology is able to effectively treat shingles and manage symptoms when there is a recurrence. Contact any of our dermatology offices in Katy, League City, Pearland, or Sugar Land, TX to make an appointment.

Anyone who has ever had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles because after recovering from chickenpox, the virus may stay put in the nervous system and lie dormant for years. A weakened immune system caused by stress, disease, or overall aging can put a patient at risk for developing shingles. It's not entirely clear why the virus is reactivated, but shingles can only develop — not chickenpox. There's also a small chance that an individual with a shingles rash can spread the virus to another person who has never had chickenpox.

The most common symptoms of a shingles outbreak are the feeling of pain, numbness, itching or burning, and/or a red rash. These symptoms usually appear a few days after you first begin experiencing discomfort. Other symptoms include sensitive-to-the-touch and fluid-filled blisters that can break open and crust over. If you have shingles, you may feel fatigued, be sensitive to light, have a fever, or have a headache, which is very similar to symptoms of the flu. Shingles happen in stages with pain occurring first and then visible skin-related symptoms following.

Risk factors for shingles include being over the age of 50, as the likelihood of developing shingles increases with age. Having a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or the use of immunosuppressive medications also elevates the risk. Individuals who have had chickenpox are at risk because the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate as shingles. Stress and trauma can further contribute to the onset of shingles. Understanding these risk factors can help in taking preventive measures and seeking timely medical advice at our office in Houston, TX.

At Advanced Dermatology, shingles is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical examination. Our dermatologists look for the classic signs of shingles, such as a painful rash with blisters that typically appear on one side of the body. The appearance of these lesions, combined with a patient’s history of symptoms like burning, itching, or tingling in a specific area, often provides enough information for an accurate diagnosis. In cases where the diagnosis isn't immediately clear, a dermatologist may take a sample from one of the blisters to test for the presence of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles. This approach ensures a precise diagnosis and enables our dermatology team to create a personalized treatment plan to help manage symptoms and support recovery.

While there's no cure for shingles, there are antiviral drugs that may help control the severity of your symptoms and hopefully lessen the damage shingles can cause on your skin.

Your practitioner at Advanced Dermatology may prescribe a topical numbing gel, cream, skin patch, or spray. A pain relief cream, such as capsaicin cream, can be applied to the shingles rash to reduce pain. Prescription-strength pain relievers can also be prescribed. We may prescribe a medication to help you cope with the pain and symptoms, and decrease the danger of post-herpetic neuralgia (persistent pain in the area after the shingles rash has healed).

What is the best way to prevent shingles?

The best way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people over the age of 50 get a shingles vaccine. It is also recommended that adults who have already had chickenpox or are at higher risk of developing shingles should also receive the vaccine.

What happens if shingles are left untreated?

If shingles are left untreated, it can lead to serious complications that impact your health and quality of life. Our professionals at Advanced Dermatology can provide treatments that manage your condition and work to reduce your risk of developing long-term issues. By seeking treatment, you can help prevent the development of long-term pain or discomfort.

Can shingles be spread to other people?

It is not possible to catch shingles from another person else with the condition, or from someone with chickenpox. However, a person who has never had chickenpox can catch it from someone with shingles. This is because the blisters contain the live virus. Shingles patients in Katy, League City, Pearland, or Sugar Land, TX, should be extra cautious not to spread the virus.

If you have experienced any of the painful or visible symptoms associated with shingles, please call Advanced Dermatology today to schedule an appointment for a thorough examination. Our team of highly trained medical professionals will rate your symptoms, provide a proper diagnosis, and get you started with the appropriate treatment protocol. We conveniently see patients in Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX at Advanced Dermatology.