Shingles is a painful viral rash that requires prompt medical attention to prevent long-term complications. While shingles can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, it most commonly appears in adults over 50 and individuals with weakened immune systems.
At Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, our board-certified dermatologists offer prompt, expert evaluation and targeted shingles treatments in the Houston area to reduce symptoms, minimize complications, and expedite your recovery.
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Why Choose Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery for Shingles Treatment in Houston
Shingles can cause significant discomfort and long-term nerve pain if not treated early. At Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, our experienced dermatologists provide comprehensive, timely care, including antiviral therapy and pain management customized to your condition and risk factors. Whether you’re in the early stages of a shingles outbreak or experiencing postherpetic neuralgia, our team is here to help you feel better, faster.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that results from the reactivation of the herpes zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the nerve tissue. Years later, it can reactivate and travel along nerve pathways, causing a painful, burning rash with blistering.
Shingles typically affects one side of the body or face and follows the path of a single nerve. In addition to the blistering rash, many patients experience fatigue, fever, or headache.
Did You Know?
A vaccine that can prevent shingles is available. Dermatologists recommend this vaccine for everyone 50 and older, even those who have already had shingles or received a previous vaccine.
Did You Know?
A vaccine that can prevent shingles is available. Dermatologists recommend this vaccine for everyone 50 and older, even those who have already had shingles or received a previous vaccine.
What Are the Treatment Options for Shingles?
Prompt diagnosis and early intervention are key to minimizing symptoms and avoiding complications like long-lasting nerve pain. Your treatment protocol will be tailored to your unique symptoms and medical needs.
Shingles treatment options include:
- Antiviral medications – To limit the severity and duration of the virus
- Topical treatments – To relieve itching and soothe the skin
- Oral pain management – Including medications for nerve pain
Postherpetic neuralgia support – For lingering pain after the rash resolves
Shingles FAQs
How much do shingles treatments cost in Houston?
The cost of shingles treatments varies based on the specific medications prescribed, duration of treatment, and other factors. This type of medical dermatologic care is covered by many health insurance plans. We encourage you to check with your provider regarding your coverage details. You can find a list of insurance providers that Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery accepts here.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
Shingles usually begins with a warning sign of localized itching, burning, or pain in a small area on one side of the body or face. Within a few days, the area will turn red and develop blisters. The pain can worsen and can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
Early medical attention within 72 hours of symptom onset offers the best chance of rapid recovery and lower risk of chronic discomfort.
Is shingles contagious?
While shingles itself is not contagious, the varicella-zoster virus can be spread to individuals who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it, potentially causing them to develop chickenpox. Until the blisters have crusted over, it is important to avoid contact with high-risk individuals such as newborns, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients.
If you suspect you have shingles, you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. Without treatment, shingles-related pain, numbness, itching, and tingling can last for months or years.
Am I at risk for shingles?
Shingles can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox. More than half of the cases affect patients who are 50 or older. Recently, however, there is an increasing rate of infection in younger adults.
Reactivation of the chickenpox virus is often attributed to a temporary weakness in the immune system caused by factors like advanced age, high levels of stress, or recent illness. Patients who have chronically compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients, organ-transplant patients, or patients with HIV/AIDS, are also at higher risk.
How long does shingles last?
Without treatment, shingles typically lasts three to four weeks. However, early treatment with antiviral medications can shorten the duration and lower the risk of complications like postherpetic neuralgia.
Is the shingles vaccine worth getting?
Yes. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and its complications. It is recommended for all adults age 50 and older, regardless of past shingles or chickenpox history.
Can shingles come back?
Yes. Although most people have shingles only once, the virus can reactivate more than once in some individuals, especially those with a compromised immune system. Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of recurrence.
Schedule a Consultation
If you suspect you have shingles or are experiencing symptoms of shingles, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery in Fulshear, Heights, Vintage Park, Kingwood, Pearland, or River Oaks today. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and effective treatment options to help you manage shingles and achieve optimal recovery.
