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SHINGLES AND 10 DANGEROUS COMPLICATIONS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT

SHINGLES AND 10 DANGEROUS COMPLICATIONS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT

10/08/2026

Shingles is not simply a skin disease. It is an infection caused by the Varicella Zoster virus (VZV), which is also the causative agent of chickenpox. After recovery, the virus remains dormant in nerve ganglia and can reactivate at any time when the immune system weakens.

Although the majority of cases can be diagnosed through clinical examination, delayed treatment can expose patients to numerous dangerous complications and even leave behind long-lasting sequelae. Let's explore 10 complications of shingles that you should not take lightly.

1. Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)

It is the most common complication, causing prolonged pain, numbness, burning, or electric shock-like sensations even after the skin lesions have healed.

2. Eye damage, reduced vision or vision loss

Shingles occurring around the eyes can cause keratitis, corneal scarring, eye muscle paralysis, decreased vision, and even blindness if not treated promptly.

3. Ramsay Hunt syndrome

When the virus attacks the ear area, it can cause severe earache, facial paralysis, tinnitus, dizziness, and decreased hearing or hearing loss.

4. Partial facial paralysis

Patients may experience facial drooping, loss of expression, or difficulty moving one side of the face. Some cases may leave long-lasting sequelae.

5. Skin infections

The rupture of blisters creates an entry point for bacteria, leading to suppuration and secondary infections. Severe cases can lead to sepsis.

6. Pneumonia 

Although uncommon, pneumonia is particularly dangerous in immunocompromised individuals and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

7. Stroke

Research shows that approximately 8.1% of individuals with ophthalmic shingles are at risk of stroke, as the virus causes damage to cerebral blood vessels.

8. Encephalitis

The virus can spread to the brain, particularly in cases of ear shingles, causing seizures, impaired consciousness, or neurological sequelae.

9. Meningitis 

A rare but serious complication that can result in paralysis, epilepsy, or death if not treated early.

10. Long-term nerve damage 

The Varicella Zoster virus can cause permanent nerve damage and impair nerve conduction functions, leading to persistent, lingering pain that severely impacts daily life.

Who is at risk for shingles?

The disease can occur at any age, but is more common in:

  • Individuals aged 50 and older 

  • immunocompromised individuals 

  • Individuals with chronic diseases or cancer

  • Those experiencing frequent stress, insomnia, or bodily weakness 

  • People on long-term immunosuppressive therapy or corticosteroids

Do not ignore abnormal signs.

Shingles typically begins with a tingling, prickling, or burning sensation on one side of the body, followed by the appearance of red patches and clustered fluid-filled blisters along the path of a nerve.

Early treatment (especially within the first 72 hours of rash onset) helps reduce the severity of the disease, shortens recovery time, and limits the risk of complications.

If you experience suspected symptoms of shingles or persistent pain, please visit a medical facility for timely examination and treatment by a physician. At the American International Hospital (AIH), a team of physicians will evaluate your condition and develop an appropriate treatment regimen to help minimize the risk of complications and protect your long-term health.

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL (AIH):
☎ Hotline: 1900 3399 || (028) 3910 9999​
🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn
📍Address: (Entrance from 199 Nguyen Hoang Street) No.6, Bac Nam 3 Street, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh (formerly District 2)
  • by Admin AIH
  • In Tin tức & Sự kiện

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