Once an individual has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. The varicella-zoster virus remains in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women who are over the age of 60, or who have a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing shingles from the dormant virus. Recognizing the symptoms associated with the condition is important so treatment for the virus can begin immediately and decrease the severity and duration of the symptoms.
General Unwell Feelings
Before any classic symptoms of shingles begin, a woman may have general feelings of discomfort. She may run a fever with chills and experience fatigue, nausea or a headache. Many women may attribute these symptoms to other conditions before pain or the rash begins.
Pain
Shingles causes pain along the affected nerve. The pain is most often the first symptom of the virus, according to Medline Plus. A common location for the pain is on a nerve line that begins at the spine and continues around the side to the abdomen or chest. Typically, pain associated with shingles causes a burning or tingling, painful sensation. Pain can be severe and may require the use of narcotic pain medication to relieve the discomfort.
Rash
After the pain begins, a red rash follows several days later. The rash appears along the same nerve as the pain. The rash may also appear on the face, eyes, ears and mouth, according to Medline Plus. The rash may itch and cause an urge to scratch.
Blisters
Following the red rash, most women experience small blisters forming over the reddened skin. The blisters break open and form ulcers on the skin. As the ulcers heal, crusty scabs form. Blisters that did not rupture begin to dry up and form scabs. The scabs typically appear around five days after the blisters developed. The scabs remain for several weeks and fall off. The blisters and scabs may cause itching. Scratching may cause a bacterial infection in the open sores, requiring antibiotic therapy. The blisters carry the active virus and may spread the infection to other individuals. If no bacterial infection occurs, scarring is minimal.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Some women may experience symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia from a shingles infection. This condition causes chronic pain in the area where the virus occurred. Most often, the pain resolves spontaneously within several months. Pain medications and creams may help provide comfort for affected individuals.
