Shingles… Awareness and Prevention: Key to Reducing a Disease with Long-Term Complications
Coinciding with World Skin Health Day
On the occasion of World Skin Health Day, observed annually on July 8, health experts are renewing calls to raise awareness about dermatological conditions that significantly impact quality of life. Chief among these is Shingles (Herpes Zoster), a painful skin condition known to cause long-term complications that can last for weeks, months, or even years for some patients.
This year’s World Skin Health Day aims to highlight the importance of health education and shared learning in strengthening health systems, improving access to care, and driving better health outcomes for all—underscoring that knowledge and prevention serve as the first line of defense against many skin diseases.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Badri, Consultant Dermatologist, noted that Shingles occurs due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a primary chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later, particularly with advancing age or weakened immune systems due to chronic illnesses or immunosuppressive treatments. In such cases, the disease is often more severe with a higher risk of complications. Data indicates that over 90% of adults aged 50 and older carry the dormant virus, and 1 in 3 people will develop Shingles in their lifetime, making it one of the most common dermatological conditions among adults and the elderly.
Dr. Najla Al-Dossary, Consultant Dermatologist, explained that Shingles is characterized by a painful skin rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face, accompanied by a burning, severe tingling sensation, or itching—pain that can start several days before the rash appears. While most patients recover from the rash, some face complications that severely affect daily life. The most prominent complication is Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), a chronic nerve pain that persists after the rash has cleared and can last for months or years in the affected area. Studies show that up to 30% of Shingles patients may suffer from PHN, which is more frequent and severe in older adults.
Specialists emphasize that raising awareness of symptoms, risk factors, and preventative measures is crucial to reducing the burden of the disease. They urge higher-risk groups, particularly adults over 50 and immunocompromised individuals, to consult doctors regarding appropriate preventative options and not to ignore early symptoms, as prompt intervention can reduce disease severity and complications.
World Skin Health Day serves as a vital opportunity to foster a culture of prevention and reinforce the importance of skin health as an integral part of overall well-being, contributing to an improved quality of life and reducing the burden of chronic, painful skin conditions like Shingles.