Can you have recurring shingles

Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Shingles is a severe skin rash caused by the herpes zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Those affected typically only experience the condition once like chickenpox.

However, in rare cases, shingles recurs. Estimates vary as to how common recurrence is. Some populations, including those that are immunocompromised, are more prone to it. Basically, when you first get infected by the herpes zoster virus, you have chickenpox; however, the virus is still present even after this disease resolves. Shingles, and all subsequent relapses, are essentially a reactivation of virus already present in the body.

The time between an initial shingles case and its relapse can vary a great deal, and there is no established figure. However, researchers have noted most of these flare-ups arise in the four- to eight-year window following an initial attack. Recurrence within three years is much rarer.

Factors such as overall health status and the presence of other diseases can spur attacks, and there are preventative medications and approaches. Having shingles more than once is comparatively rare, although some people are at a greater risk of relapse. The chances directly relate to the overall state of the immune system, with those who are immunocompromised especially prone to relapse.

The following have been identified as specific recurrence risk factors:. Initial cases of shingles arise as painful rashes that scab over within seven to 10 days, with most cases clearing up entirely within two to four weeks. These attacks are characterized by:. Relapses are similar—arising first as a rash and then scabbing over and blistering—and are particularly characterized by pain as inflammation spreads to the skin and nerves. But they should. Because shingles can strike twice, or rarely, even a third time.

A shingles vaccine can reduce the chances of a recurrence. In one study , researchers examined medical records of nearly 1, patients who had a documented case of shingles between and Other studies have shown the recurrence rate to be much lower. Shingles is caused by the same virus — the varicella zoster virus — that causes chickenpox.

Once you have had chickenpox, the virus that caused it remains inside your nerves. It is inactive, but it can be reactivated later in life. This causes shingles. The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia PHN , which is long-term nerve pain. A person with PHN may feel pain in the area of the shingles rash for months or years after it goes away. The older a person is when they develop shingles, the higher the risk of PHN. People younger than 40 years are unlikely to experience PHN.

Recurrent shingles may be a sign that a person has an underlying health condition that is weakening their immune system. Some chronic conditions that researchers associate with recurrent shingles include:. A person should speak with a doctor if they notice shingles symptoms.

The first symptom of shingles is usually painful and tingling skin, which can sometimes also be itchy. Other early symptoms include fever and an upset stomach. If the pain is severe or OTC pain relievers are not working, a person should talk with their doctor about taking prescription pain relievers. If the rash spreads to the face and is near the eyes, a person should ask a doctor for advice. Shingles around the eyes could lead to severe complications, including vision loss.

Recurrent shingles occurs when a person repeatedly develops shingles. Risk factors for recurrent shingles include stress, immunosuppressant medications, and HIV. Doctors recommend that people aged 50 years and over get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine to help prevent shingles.

The first-line treatment for shingles is an antiviral medication. People can soothe their shingles symptoms at home by taking OTC pain relievers and applying calamine lotion to their skin. It is important to keep the rash and blisters clean and dry to prevent infection and transmission. After the blisters scab over, shingles is no longer contagious.

If a person repeatedly develops shingles, they may have an underlying health condition affecting their immune system. Shingles normally lasts 3 to 5 weeks, but there are some factors that may affect how long it takes to heal. Learn more about what to expect. Some people with HIV are more likely to develop shingles. In this article, we look at the factors that increase a person's risk, and cover treatments….

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Learn more about the potential causes and their treatment options here. Is it possible to get shingles after having chickenpox? Learn more about both conditions and how they are related.