What to know about stress shingles

Shingles, also called “herpes zoster”, is a viral infection that can cause a painful rash that typically appears in stripes and causes blisters. The varicella-zoster virus also causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the body after having had chickenpox.

Currently, the exact cause of the reactivation of this virus is unknown. However, research suggests that long-term or high levels of stress can play a role in causing shingles.

There are many ways to treat shingles, such as taking antiviral medications, applying calamine lotion on the affected areas, and taking an oatmeal bath.

A healthcare professional can help you create an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and symptoms.

How can stress trigger shingles?

Shingles is a common condition. Around 1 in 3 people in the United States develops shingles at some point in their lifetime. It is more likely to occur in older adults.

Studies have found that having a weak immune system plays a key role in triggering the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.

A 2021 study suggests that high stress levels can weaken the immune system. A stressful event can cause the release of hormones, including cortisol, which suppresses the immune system.

Experiencing high stress levels for an extended period can lead to a prolonged release of cortisol in your body leading to a weakening of your immune system. This can cause health problems such as:

• anxiety and depression
• difficulty sleeping
• difficulty concentrating
• gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating and constipation
• weight gain
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• heart attack

A 2018 study found that negative life events, mental stress, and a low sense of purpose can increase the risk of developing shingles. The same study reported that people assigned male at birth with high levels of mental stress were twice as likely to develop shingles when compared to people assigned female at birth.

A 2022 review also found that people who have had COVID-19 had a higher risk of reactivating the varicella-zoster virus and developing shingles. This may be linked to the combination of psychological stress a person may experience due to a COVID-19 infection and the inflammation it can cause to the immune system.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

The primary symptoms of shingles are itching and tingling of the skin. This is then generally followed by the development of a rash of blister-like sores, which typically occurs on one side of the body.

The blisters normally burst and form crusts in 7–10 days, clearing up in around 2-4 weeks.

Other symptoms of shingles may include:

• fatigue
• headaches
• fever
• chills
• body feeling tender to the touch
• upset stomach
• sensitivity to light
• vision loss

Shingles may also occur over your whole body and appear similar to chickenpox. However, this is rare and more common in people with a compromised or weakened immune system.

Treatment for shingles

Shingles is a viral infection that doesn’t have a cure. The condition typically resolves on its own. However, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications to help reduce the severity of symptoms and quicken the recovery process.

They can also reduce the risk of developing shingles complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (a burning nerve pain).

Antiviral medications for shingles may include:

• valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• acyclovir (Valtrex)

Antivirals are typically more effective when taken within 72 hours from when the rash started. In general, doctors only prescribe antiviral medications to people who are older than 50 years of age or people who have immunosuppression or immunodeficiency.

Doctors may also recommend taking pain medications to ease your symptoms. Other methods that may help improve your discomfort include:

• applying calamine lotion
• placing cool, damp washcloths over the rash
• taking oatmeal baths

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How can you manage shingles?

You can take several steps to reduce the risk of shingles, such as receiving a double dose of Shingrix, the chickenpox vaccine, which is 90% effective in protecting you from the virus. People who have not had chickenpox in the past cannot get shingles.

People can also take steps to reduce their stress levels, such as:

• doing physical exercise regularly
• getting enough sleep
• using stress relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation
• keeping a journal to take note of your daily mood and possible stress triggers
• spending time with your loved ones
• identifying and avoiding your stress triggers
• reducing screen time across your devices where possible

Summary

Shingles is a common viral infection that can occur when the herpes zoster virus becomes active again. People with shingles typically develop a rash that appears as a single stripe on one side of their body. However, certain individuals may develop blisters throughout their body in a similar way to chickenpox.

Having high stress levels may increase your risk of developing shingles, as it can weaken your immune system.

Managing your stress levels and getting vaccinated for chickenpox if you’ve never had chickenpox can significantly reduce your risk of developing shingles in the future.

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