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Santa Barbara Skin Care
Santa Barbara Skin Care

Gary S. Novatt, MD | Corey S. Frucht, MD, PhD 
Robert W. Sheffield, MD | Claire Wiswall, PA-C

Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology 
in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara: (805) 569-1164Solvang: (805) 688-4236

 

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Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

Shingles is a painful rash that is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It usually appears as a band or strip of blisters on one side of the body that goes from the spine around the front to the breastbone. However, shingles can also appear on the neck, nose and forehead.

Shingles derives from the same virus that causes chicken pox. After having chicken pox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue underneath the skin. Years later, and with no known reason, it reactivates and causes shingles. Shingles is contagious and can easily pass through touching from one person to another. The virus develops into shingles for people who have had chicken pox and develops into chicken pox for those who have not had it. Shingles appears most frequently among older adults (age 60+) and in people with compromised immune systems. Generally, a person only gets shingles once; it rarely recurs.

Symptoms for shingles include:

  • Pain, burning, numbness or tingling on one side of the body. The pain often precedes any other symptoms.
  • A rash that appears a few days after the pain. It may be itchy.
  • Blisters that break open and then crust over.
  • Fever, achiness or headache.

Some people never get a rash or blisters with shingles, but simply experience the pain.

Shingles is diagnosed based on a medical history and physical examination of the telltale rash. If you suspect you may have shingles, it is important to contact your doctor as quickly as possible. Early treatment can reduce the pain and severity of the episode. Two types of medications are prescribed to treat shingles:

  • Antiviral drugs to combat the virus, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir.
  • Pain medicines, from oral pain pills and antidepressants to anticonvulsants and topical preparations that contain skin-numbing agents.

Shingles usually heals in about 2 to 3 weeks without any problem. However, there is a small percentage of patients (10% to 15%), predominantly over age 50, who experience pain that lasts beyond one month after the healing period. This is called postherpetic neuralgia. Catching shingles early and beginning treatment can reduce the likelihood and severity of postherpetic neuralgia. See your dermatologist for pain relief.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a vaccine, called Zostavax, for the prevention of adult shingles. It is approved for adults age 60 or older who have had chicken pox. Essentially, the vaccine delivers a booster dose of chicken pox. The vaccine has proven to be very effective in reducing the incidence of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.


Patient Education

Patient Education Menu
  • What is a Dermatologist?
  • Anatomy of the Skin
  • Skin Care Topics
    • Sun Safety
    • Skin Care Basics
    • Tanning Beds/Tanning Booths
    • Tattoos
    • Pregnancy-Related Skin Conditions
    • Diabetes-Related Skin Conditions
    • Skin Cancers
  • Skin Conditions
    • Acne
    • Rosacea
    • Head Lice
    • Rashes
    • Eczema (Dermatitis)
    • Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts
    • Psoriasis
    • Blisters
    • Vitiligo
    • Pruritus
    • Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
    • Lichen Simplex Chronicus
    • Scleroderma
    • Keratosis Pilaris
    • Hives (Urticaria)
    • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
    • Wrinkles
    • Birthmarks/Pigmented Skin
  • Skin Growths
    • Seborrheic Keratosis
    • Moles (Nevi)
    • Warts
    • Actinic Keratosis
  • Skin Infections
    • Herpes Simplex Virus
    • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
    • Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
    • Impetigo
    • Erysipelas
    • Chicken Pox (Herpes Varicella Zoster)
    • Cellulitis
    • Candidiasis
    • Boils
    • Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
    • Lyme Disease
    • Folliculitis
    • Scabies
    • Intertrigo
    • Granuloma

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Our Location

Santa Barbara, CA Dermatologist
Santa Barbara Skin Care
2320 Bath Street, Suite 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 569-1164
Dermatologist in Santa Barbara, CA Call For Pricing Options
 
Solvang, CA Dermatologist
Santa Barbara Skin Care
2030 Viborg Rd. Suite 202
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4236
Dermatologist in Solvang, CA Call For Pricing Options
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Santa Barbara
Monday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday:       08:30 AM - 05:00 PM  
Thursday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Solvang
Wednesday:       08:30 AM - 04:30 PM 
   
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