Shingles & Cold Sores


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What are Shingles and Cold Sores?

While shingles and cold sores are different viruses, they can be thought of as cousins, since they both belong to the same viral subfamily.

Shingles

Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus will stay inactive in the nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. Years later in life, the virus may reactivate as shingles. A person with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to anyone who is not immune to chickenpox.

Common signs of shingles usually affect a small area of the body and include:

  • Sensitivity to touch.
  • Pain, numbness, burning, or tingling.
  • A red rash that begins a few days following the pain.
  • Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over.
  • Itching.

Some people may also experience a fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light with their shingles.

Cold Sores

Cold sores, which are infectious blisters on the mouth or lips, are caused by herpes simplex virus 1 and/or 2. They are often grouped together in patches and may break over time, leading to a scab. Cold sores usually heal in about 2-3 weeks without leaving a scar. They are spread by close contact with another person, such as kissing. They are contagious even if you do not see the sores.

Common signs of a cold sore include:

  • Itching and tingling around the lips.
  • Fluid-filled blisters that erupt along the border of the lips.
  • Small blisters that burst, leaving an open sore that oozes and crusts over.

Some patients may also experience:

  • Fever
  • Painful gums
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Treatment Options for Shingles and Cold Sores

There is a selection of treatment options for both shingles and cold sores to relieve your symptoms and get you back to your everyday routine as quickly as possible. These include:

Shingles Treatment

There is no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment can help to speed up the healing process. Prescription antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir can help. Shingles can also cause severe pain for some, so your doctor may also prescribe medications to help with discomfort such as gabapentin, amitriptyline, or more. Shingles usually last between 2-6 weeks. Most people only get shingles once in their lifetime though it is possible to get it more than once.

Cold Sore Treatment

Cold sores usually clear up without treatment within 2-4 weeks. However, some prescription antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir, and penciclovir can help to speed up the healing process. For severe cold sore infections, some antiviral drugs can be given as an injection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be hospitalized with shingles?

In rare cases, it is possible to require hospitalization due to shingles complications. In most cases, this occurs in patients who have suppressed or weakened immune systems.

Can you catch shingles from someone?

You can not catch shingles from someone, but direct contact with a shingles rash can cause you to develop chickenpox if you are not vaccinated or have never had the virus.

Can you die from shingles?

Dying from shingles is exceptionally rare, but it is possible.

Can you hug someone with shingles?

It is safe to hug someone with shingles. However, it is best to avoid direct contact with any rashes.

Can you sleep with someone with shingles?

Those with shingles may pass chickenpox on to those who have not been immunized. For this reason, it is important to prevent direct contact with the rash.

Can you spread shingles to your eyes?

It is possible for shingles to spread around the eye. This will result in redness, swelling, tingling, or burning.

Do patients with shingles need to be isolated?

Assuming all rashes or lesions are dry, it is not necessary for patients with shingles to be isolated. However, it is still best to cover rashes to prevent spreading the virus to those who are unvaccinated or have not previously had chickenpox.

What causes shingles and cold sores?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which initially causes chickenpox. Cold sores, on the other hand, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

How contagious are shingles and cold sores?

Shingles itself is not contagious, but the virus can spread from a person with active shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox, potentially causing chickenpox in the exposed person. Cold sores are highly contagious from the moment you feel tingling or other signs until the sore has completely healed.

What are the symptoms of shingles and cold sores?

Shingles typically presents as a painful skin rash with blisters, often appearing in a stripe on one side of the body. Cold sores usually start with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by small, painful blisters on or around the lips or nose.

How long do shingles and cold sores last?

Shingles episodes typically last 2-6 weeks. Cold sores generally heal within 1-2 weeks without scarring.

What treatments are available for shingles and cold sores?

For shingles, antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir can help speed up recovery and reduce complications if started within 72 hours of symptom onset. For cold sores, antiviral oral medications may also be used and work best when they are started at the first sign of an outbreak.

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Ideal Candidates for Shingles and Cold Sores Treatment

Anyone who thinks they may have shingles or a cold sore can benefit from treatment. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for treatment is through an assessment with Dr. Erwin. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

Contact Us Today

If you are experiencing the signs or symptoms of shingles or a cold sore, do not hesitate to contact our office by calling 979-543-9933. We will be more than happy to help you schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Erwin, which is your first step toward treatment.