Different Types of Shingles
Shingles is not limited to the skin. Another form of this condition is known as ophthalmic shingles, which occurs when the virus affects the trigeminal nerve responsible for controlling facial muscles, sensation, and movement. Immediate treatment is essential for this type of infection. Ophthalmic shingles can manifest as conjunctivitis or pink eye, a highly contagious condition. Additional symptoms of this shingles-related eye infection include throbbing eye pain, blurred vision, and redness both around and inside the eye.
Who is Vulnerable to Shingles?
The shingles virus is capable of affecting individuals across all age groups and is considered relatively widespread. However, certain individuals are more prone to developing the condition than others. Particularly, older adults face a heightened risk of contracting either chickenpox or shingles. Once a person has had a shingles outbreak, the virus remains in their body indefinitely. Those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk, which includes pregnant women and infants whose immune systems are still developing.