Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that results in a painful rash. The varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for causing chickenpox, causes this condition. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in their nerve cells for many years. Shingles occurs when this dormant virus reactivates, typically appearing as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body or face.
How Shingles Affects the Body
Shingles impacts the body, often beginning with sensations of pain, burning, or tingling in a localized area, which can precede the rash by several days. This neuropathic pain can range from mild to severe, sometimes even mistaken for issues with the heart, lungs, or kidneys depending on its location. The immune system combats the reactivated virus, leading to fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell. A red rash then emerges, developing into fluid-filled blisters that eventually break open, crust over, and scab. These blisters are highly sensitive and can cause significant itching.
Risks of Exercising with Shingles
Engaging in physical activity while experiencing shingles carries several risks that can worsen symptoms and potentially prolong recovery. Exertion can intensify nerve pain, increasing discomfort. The body expends energy fighting the virus; exercise can deplete these reserves, leading to increased fatigue and delayed healing.
Overexertion during a shingles outbreak can increase the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a complication where nerve pain persists long after the rash has healed. Sweat and friction from movement can irritate the sensitive rash and blisters, leading to secondary bacterial infections. Strenuous exercise can place strain on the immune system, hindering viral clearance. Although less common, direct contact with fluid from open blisters during exercise can spread the varicella-zoster virus to unvaccinated individuals or those who haven’t had chickenpox.
Guidelines for Activity and Recovery
During the acute phase of shingles, physical and mental rest supports recovery. It is important to pay close attention to your body’s signals and avoid pushing yourself, especially if symptoms like pain or fatigue intensify. Light activities, such as short walks, may be considered once the rash has crusted over and symptoms are mild. Any increase in pain or discomfort during these gentle movements indicates a need to stop immediately.
Activities that induce excessive sweating or cause friction against the rash should be avoided to prevent irritation and potential infection. A gradual return to more intense workouts is recommended once the rash has fully healed, pain has significantly subsided, and energy levels have returned to normal, which can often take several weeks. Maintaining adequate hydration and a nutritious diet can also support the body’s healing process throughout recovery.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consulting a healthcare provider is important if shingles symptoms worsen, new symptoms appear, or the rash spreads. Immediate medical attention is necessary if the shingles rash is located near or in the eye, as this can lead to vision loss. Involvement of the ear or face also warrants prompt medical evaluation due to potential neurological complications like facial paralysis or hearing problems.
Signs of a secondary infection, such as fever, pus, increased redness, or warmth around the rash, indicate a need for medical assessment. If pain persists long after the rash has healed, this could be a sign of postherpetic neuralgia, requiring professional management. Individuals with weakened immune systems should also seek medical advice promptly if they develop shingles.