This pain can be severe enough to be incapacitating to a person, especially if they are elderly. Herpes zoster can be contagious through direct contact in an individual who has not had chickenpox and therefore has no immunity . Herpes zoster may affect any age group but is much more common in adults over 60 years old, in children who had chickenpox before the age of one year, and in individuals who are immunocompromised. Localized shingles involving only one dermatome is typical for an outbreak of shingles. Those who are immunosuppressed because of organ transplant or treatment for cancer or similar disorders may also experience the disorder.
Prevention is uncertain.
Acyclovir is an antiviral medications that may be prescribed to shorten the course, reduce pain, reduce complications or protect an immunocompromised individual. For the greatest efficacy acyclovir should be started within 24 hours of the appearance of pain or burning sensation and preferably before the appearance of the characteristic blisters . Typically it is given in oral doses four times those recommended for herpes simplex or herpes genitalia. Severely immunocompromised individuals such as those with AIDS may require IV acyclovir therapy. Corticosteroids such as prednisone may occasionally be used to reduce inflammation but have the drawback of interfering with immune function.