Shingles Symptoms
Shingles also called herpes zoster, zona, zoster is an outbreak of a rash or blisters on the skin that may be
associated with severe pain. The pain is generally on one side of the body or
face. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that
causes chickenpox. After an attack of chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the
nerve tissue. As we get older, it is possible for the virus to reappear in the
form of shingles. Shingles is estimated to affect 2 in every 10 persons in their
lifetime. This year, more than 500,000 people will develop shingles.
Fortunately, there is currently research being done to find a vaccine to prevent
the disease.
Symptoms of shingles may include:
- General feeling of unease and discomfort (malaise)
- Fever
- Headache
- A feeling of pain, burning, tingling, itching, numbness or extreme
sensitivity in a limited area of your body
- A red rash with fluid-filled blisters that begins a few days after the
pain and lasts two to three weeks before scabbing over and healing
- Chills
The shingles rash commonly occurs on one side of the trunk of your body. It
often appears as a band of blisters that wraps from the middle of your back
around one side of your chest to your breastbone, following the path of the
nerve where the virus had been dormant.
However, the rash can occur around one eye or on your neck or face. The
shingles rash and blisters may resemble chickenpox, but the virus typically
causes more pain and less itching the second time around. A case of shingles,
although painful, usually heals entirely within about a month.
If a rash develops anywhere near your eyes, see your
doctor immediately. If left untreated, shingles in this area could lead to an
infection of your cornea, which can cause temporary or permanent blindness.
Seek treatment for shingles as soon as you notice
symptoms. Prompt intervention can curtail the infection and possibly decrease
your chances of complications.
Shingles Symptoms to S
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