What Kind of Doctor Treats Shingles?

Shingles is a potentially complex condition that’s caused by the same virus as chicken pox. Because the most common symptom is a painful rash, the most usual kind of doctor that treats shingles is a dermatologist. However, in rare cases the virus can affect other parts of the body, meaning that additional clinical care might be integrated into treatment. 

Shingles: A Disease that Can be More Than Skin Deep

• What is it and what kind of doctor treats shingles?
• Signs and symptoms of shingles
• Potential complications

What is it and what kind of doctor treats shingles? 

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. By far the most common symptom is a painful rash. This can appear anywhere on the body but typically starts on the chest or torso. It begins with small, red spots or larger blotches that evolve into blisters over the next 7-10 days. 

One key symptom of a shingles rash is that it generally only appears on one side of the body. Any rash that’s on both sides is not likely to be shingles. Most acute cases last anything from 3-5 weeks.

Shingles can usually be diagnosed by a general physician through an examination. In some cases, a swab will be taken, and/or a PCR test carried out for a definitive diagnosis.

However, more complex cases might require care from a specialist doctor. The type of complication will determine which kind of expert is needed.

Signs and symptoms of shingles

As mentioned, the most typical sign of shingles is a rash, usually on one side of the body.  The rash can appear anywhere, including on:

• The chest and torso (most common).
• The genitals.
• The face.
• Around the eye.
• On the arms or legs.

Rashes appear red on white skin and can be more purple, brown, or gray on darker skin tones. 

Other signs and symptoms, including ones that might be experienced before a rash appears (or without any rash at all), include:

• Strange skin sensations, such as burning, tingling, numbness, or excessive itching.
• A fever.
• A headache.
• Chills and a general feeling of being unwell.
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as an upset stomach.

Potential complications

Simple shingles usually clears up within a few weeks. You may need treatment, such as pain relief, antiviral medication, antibiotics, topical creams, or steroids.

Shingles has the potential to migrate to other parts of the body, causing additional complications. Examples include:

• Ocular shingles: This is where the virus affects the eye. Without urgent treatment, this can be potentially sight-threatening.
• Long-term nerve pain: A condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). This rarely affects people under 40.
• Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome: A rare complication that affects the facial nerve. This can result in one-sided facial weakness and/or hearing problems on the affected side.
• Encephalitis: A serious condition that causes the brain to swell.
• Pneumonia: An infection of one or more lobes of the lung/s.

When Might Another Kind of Doctor Treat Shingles?

From primary care to special dermatologist and other treatments

From primary care to special dermatologist and other treatments

The severity and any complications of shingles will drive the type of care you need.

• Primary care physician: In many cases, the condition is diagnosed by your primary care physician. For simple cases, this might be the best kind of doctor to treat shingles. They can prescribe medications, such as painkillers and steroids, to help treat the symptoms. Further care might be needed from other specialists, especially if you’re elderly, have an autoimmune condition, or have any other serious chronic health issue. Complications of shingles will also require input from other clinicians.
• Dermatologist: Specialist dermatology care might be needed if the skin becomes infected, the rash goes on longer than expected, or the pain is significantly bad. These doctors might carry out further tests, as well as working in conjunction with other medical specialists if required.
• Neurologist: if shingles affect the nerves, which can be one of the more common complications, you may need to see a neurologist. It’s estimated that anything from 10% - 18% of people who get shingles end up with PHN. The symptoms of this can go on for months, or even years. A neurologist can use a range of drugs to help ease this, including antidepressants and anticonvulsants, as well as topical medication.
• Ophthalmologist: Shingles on the face has a very real danger of migrating to the eye. This is potentially extremely serious and can cause blindness. Including an ophthalmologist in the care pathway is essential, and they may work in conjunction with other specialists, including a dermatologist and neurologist if nerves are involved.
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Rarely, shingles can cause long-term, general health issues. DOs specialize in overall wellness, rather than treating a single condition. Chronic shingles symptoms can affect both physical and mental health, something that DO care may be able to help with. Techniques, such as myofascial release, which involves stretching and rebalancing the tissues, can help some people.

Understanding what kind of doctor treats shingles isn’t as straightforward as saying, a dermatologist or a neurologist. Very often, healthcare professionals work in conjunction with each other to create the optimal plan to treat and cure any complex problems. If you’re at all concerned about a rash or potential shingles symptoms, you should contact your dermatologist or general physician straight away. The faster treatment is instigated, the less likely you are to suffer any complications. 

Worried About Shingles? Contact Bayou City Dermatology Today

Treating shingles often requires a dermatologically led approach, sometimes with the integration of further specialist care. We have extensive experience in treating the condition and great relationships with other expert clinical care should you need it. Rather than worrying about what kind of doctor treats shingles, if you have a skin rash or any other potential symptoms, the first step is to call and arrange a consultation.

Discover more about our expertise at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/