Shingles On The Face – Important Points To Note

Shingles is a manifestation of infection with the herpes zoster virus. A hive-like rash forms on the skin, accompanied by fever, malaise, and headache; this rash eventually progresses to a blistered rash before healing.

Generally, the characteristic rash presentation is limited to a single dermatome or section of the skin – thus, it can occur on the face. When a shingles rash appears upon the face, it is a unique situation that must be treated and addressed differently than shingles of other areas.

An important aspect of proactive management of shingles is early recognition – this is particularly important in the case of facial involvement. If antiviral drugs are begun within 72 hours of rash development, severity and duration of illness will be limited. A major concern for individuals who develop a rash upon the face is the risk of scarring. Early intervention – both in the form of home remedies and through consultation with physicians – is the best way to prevent this.

Two areas of concern with facial involvement are the ear (as with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome) and eye. Shingles can affect both of these areas, and can lead to nerve inflammation. Not surprisingly, when shingles affects the nervous system, a significantly more serious condition develops that requires rigorous management. Aggressive treatment can prevent serious and potentially long-term complications. With facial shingles, symptoms can include conjunctivitis (inflammation of ocular tissue, often accompanied by redness and discharge), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), uveitis (inflammation of vascular structures of the eye), and potentially loss of vision and / or debilitating pain.

When shingles spreads to the facial region, a more serious situation develops; fortunately, though decidedly more grave than shingles of other dermatomes, it is not a situation that cannot be managed. With proper implementation of medications (e.g., antivirals, steroids), other remedies, and lifestyle modifications (e.g., more rest, nutrient-rich diet), complications can be avoided and facial shingles can be a short-lived illness, much like its bodily counterparts.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com by Nicole D T, a freelance writer who researches and writes on various topics.