1. Pain on the Side
One of the hallmark signs of the shingles virus is significant discomfort in a particular area, along one side of the body. Commonly affected areas include the torso, waist, face, arms, legs or buttocks. The discomfort manifests as itching, burning, aching, tingling or sensitivity to touch. Some people report a shooting pain that radiates along a limb or other body part. The intensity of discomfort varies greatly. However, many people report extreme discomfort. Occasionally, the pain is misdiagnosed until the rash appears.
2. A Rash Should Raise Concern
The shingles rash usually develops, approximately one to three days after a person begins to experience physical discomfort. Red, raised bumps, which are itchy and uncomfortable, appear along the site of the initial pain. Occasionally, the rash spreads to other areas. The appearance of the rash along the ears, nose or near the eyes warrants immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage to vision and hearing.
3. Blistering Misery
About one to three days after the rash appears, the bumps turn into blisters, which resemble the chicken pox. Two to three weeks pass before the blisters fill with pus and then burst. After the blisters burst, they crust over. Finally, four to five weeks after the appearance of initial symptoms, the crust falls off. Scarring and bacterial infection or cellulitis are complications that can arise from the blisters, especially if a person scratches the blisters. Calamine lotion, antihistamines or other medications may relieve the intense and persistent itching.
4. Top it Off With Flu Symptoms
For some people, the symptoms of shingles include fever accompanied by chills, nausea, stomach upset, headache and general malaise. Frequently, the fever appears during the prodromal stage of the illness, meaning before the appearance of the rash. People suffering from shingles often misdiagnose it as the flu or another virus. Contact a doctor immediately if you start running a high fever.
5. Hanging on Shingles Pain
Occasionally, the pain from shingles persists after the blisters disappear. This condition, referred to as postherpetic neuralgia, is most common in people over 50 years of age. Many people describe this pain as deep, burning and stabbing. Sometimes itching, numbness and headache accompany the pain. A simple touch or a change in temperature can exacerbate the pain. Generally, the pain and discomfort from postherpetic neuralgia lessens with the passage of time.
