Shingles is a viral infection impacting the nerves. The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that shingles, or herpes zoster, occurs when the varicella-zoster virus is reactivated after lying dormant in certain nerves for many years. A more common name for the varicella-zoster virus is chickenpox. Every individual is affected differently by shingles. It most often impacts individuals with a weakened immune system and those over the age of 50.
Pain
The earliest symptoms of shingles last about one to five days and are called prodrome, or warning, symptoms. Pain is the primary early symptom of the infection and will exist for all patients, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The pain will occur in the skin and can be described as sharp, aching, piercing, tearing and similar to an electric shock. The tissues can be numb, tingly, itchy or extremely sensitive to touch.
Feeling Ill
Leading up to the rash, an individual may develop any number of symptoms that generally indicate an infection is present. These include headache, body pains, gastrointestinal upset and general feelings of illness. Occasionally an individual may develop a fever. FamilyDoctor.org adds that some patients may have trouble urinating or develop diarrhea.
Rash
About five days into the infection, a rash will appear on the skin that was exhibiting the earliest symptoms of shingles. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that about 50 to 60 percent of shingles cases include a rash that appears on the trunk. Other less common sites include one side of the face, the neck or the lower back. An infection that occurs on the face can be serious if it spreads to the eye or near the nose.
The rash will take on the appearance of small red spots that become clear blisters over the course of 12 to 24 hours. Soon the blisters will grow until they are touching and become filled with pus. Pain still remains during this part of the infection. Seven to 10 days later, the blisters will form yellowish scabs and heal. A pitted scar may be left behind.
