Shingles

Understanding Shingles:

When an Old Virus Strikes Back

Shingles isn’t just a rash, it’s a reawakening of the same virus that causes chickenpox. For many people, that virus stays hidden in the body for decades before it unexpectedly reactivates. When it does, the result can be painful, frightening, and sometimes serious.

At Biltmore Dermatology, we know how miserable shingles can be—and how important it is to catch and treat it early. If you notice a burning, tingling patch of skin or a sudden band of blisters, don’t wait. Our team is here to help you find relief fast and avoid complications before they start.

What Does Shingles Feel Like?

Shingles usually starts with a strange, painful sensation—burning, tingling, or shooting pain on one side of the body. This is often followed by a red, blistering rash that shows up in a line or stripe. The most common areas are the torso, neck, and face.

Other symptoms may include:

• Itching, throbbing, or sensitivity in the affected area
• Clusters of fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over
• Fatigue, fever, or headache
• Light sensitivity

Some people never develop a visible rash, but still experience the nerve pain associated with shingles. When shingles appear on the face or near the eyes, it needs immediate attention to avoid long-term complications, especially for your vision.

Is Shingles Contagious?

You can’t catch shingles itself, but someone who’s never had chickenpox (or the chickenpox vaccine) can catch the chickenpox virus from direct contact with shingles blisters. Once the rash scabs over, the risk of spreading the virus is much lower.

To prevent spreading it to others, especially young children, pregnant people, or those with weakened immune systems, it’s important to keep the rash covered and avoid skin-to-skin contact until it fully heals.

Why Do Some People Get Shingles?

The varicella-zoster virus (the one that causes chickenpox) never fully leaves your body. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus goes quiet—hiding out in your nerve tissue for years. But under the right conditions, it can reactivate.

This tends to happen in people:

• Over age 50
• Experiencing high stress or illness
• With weakened immune systems
• Taking immune-suppressing medications

If you’re in one of these groups, shingles isn’t something to brush off. Fast treatment can make all the difference in how long symptoms last—and how much pain you feel.

Shingles Treatment at Biltmore Dermatology

There’s no cure for shingles, but early treatment can shorten the duration and help prevent complications. If you’re diagnosed with shingles, we may recommend:

• Antiviral medications to slow the virus and reduce severity
• Topical creams for pain, itching, and blister care
• Wound care guidance to keep the rash clean and covered
• Monitoring for signs of more serious complications (like nerve pain or eye involvement)

Prompt treatment is especially important if the rash is on your face, near your eyes, or if you're at higher risk due to age or health status.

Don’t Wait—Early Treatment Matters

If you think you may have shingles, it’s important to seek care as soon as possible. Antiviral medications are most effective when started within the first 72 hours of symptoms. Starting treatment early can help you feel better faster, prevent complications, and reduce long-term nerve pain.

At Biltmore Dermatology, we offer same-day appointments and walk-in care so you don’t have to wait to get the relief you need.

Preventing Shingles

The best way to protect yourself is through vaccination. The shingles vaccine is highly effective and recommended for:

• Adults aged 50 and older
• People with weakened immune systems (with provider guidance)

Vaccination doesn’t just lower your chances of getting shingles—it also reduces the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can linger for months or even years after the rash is gone.

Already dealing with shingles? We’ll help you manage it safely by:

• Teaching you how to cover and care for blisters
• Showing you how to prevent it from spreading to others
• Supporting you with treatments that ease discomfort and protect your skin

Schedule a Consultation

Shingles can show up fast and hit hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Biltmore Dermatology, our board-certified dermatology provider offers same-day support, personalized treatment, and practical relief for shingles and other skin conditions.

Contact us to schedule your visit to our Terre Haute or Vincennes office, or simply walk in today. Let us help you take the sting out of shingles.