New York City and Manhattan, NY
A case of shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates in someone who already has had chickenpox. This reactivation causes a painful, blistering rash. Your risk of shingles elevates as you age, and a vaccine now is available that is recommended for anyone who has had chickenpox and is at least 50 years old.
A dermatologist can identify and treat any case of shingles. Treatment may involve the use of pain relievers, anti-viral medication, and corticosteroids. Even after treatment and resolving a case of shingles, you may experience nerve pain for an extended period of time, which can be managed through injections of medicine that block those nerves.