Conventional medical wisdom suggests shingles is typically a disease affecting the elderly or immunocompromised. However, this understanding may be outdated, as the condition is reportedly becoming significantly more prevalent among immunocompetent people under 50 globally, with a particular rise observed in women.
One individual, aged 43, recently experienced ocular shingles, a condition near the eye that is considered a medical emergency. Her wife also had shingles two years prior at age 41.
While the exact reasons for this increase are unknown, one theory suggests chronic stress could be a factor. Intense exercise has also been reported by some as a potential trigger for shingles.
The varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox, can remain dormant in the body and reactivate as shingles if the immune system is compromised. The condition can cause a painful, itchy rash with blisters and, in some cases, long-lasting nerve pain.