1. Before Visible Symptoms Begin
People who are very sensitive to the changes in their bodies may notice early symptoms of shingles, or the herpes zoster virus. Others may misconstrue them as signs of migraine or flu. Even correctly diagnosing early warnings and beginning treatment, however, may not prevent a shingles outbreak.
The first symptoms of the viral infection may include headache and sensitive eyes and skin. Nasal congestion may accompany these symptoms, but not a rise in bodily temperature, as in a cold or flu. You may feel pain or itching in one or two local areas on one side of the body but not the other. Any or all of these conditions may persist for 2 to 7 days. It is difficult for even a doctor to pinpoint these symptoms as shingles unless they progress to the next stage.
2. During Blister Formation
The formation of bumps and then blisters over a red patch of skin on only one side of the body is characteristic of most cases of the shingles virus. These skin irritations continue to erupt for 3 to 5 days. What looks like an ordinary skin rash quickly develops into a very severe case of topical blisters. They may be small or large and very sensitive to touch or the rub of clothing. You may feel a burning, prickling or itching sensation intermittently or for long periods at a time.
3. After Blisters Rupture
Shingles blisters continue to swell, rupture and then crust over in scabs for another 2 to 4 weeks. You will see fluid oozing from the area at first, which will dry and form scabs. The entire rash area will continue to be painful, but conscientious cleaning and bandaging can alleviate some of the burning feeling by keeping it out of direct contact with clothing or other objects.
