Shingles is a painful skin condition, caused by the same virus that leads to the chicken pox. Shingles, however, occurs later in life, striking older adults. Symptoms associated with the shingles rash include burning, tingling, itching, blisters and severe pain on one side of the body. Early treatment is significant to relief, as medications to fight the virus may reduce the duration of pain, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Burning and Tingling
Though the herpes zoster rash is responsible for the chicken pox and the shingles rash, the pain of a shingles rash is much more severe than that of the chicken pox. Burning and tingling are symptoms affecting the skin, causing agonizing sensations on areas of the body. Early diagnoses of the shingles virus may help reduce any lingering affects like burning and tingling, which can last long after the rash fades (months or even years in elderly individuals, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, AAD). Anti-viral medications can be prescribed if a diagnoses is made within 72 hours of the infection.
Blistery Rash
A blistery rash is a symptom of shingles. These blisters can last for several days or weeks, though they generally last for two to three weeks. The blisters cause discomfort and inflammation. At first, the blisters are clear, turning yellowish before crusting over and finally healing, according to the AAD. Blisters can form on the trunk, buttocks, legs, arms or face. Those that appear on the nose signal eye involvement, which can result in permanent eye damage, including glaucoma and even blindness. Hearing may also be affected by blisters on the face.
Pain
Pain is often present with shingles rash. The pain may be severe enough to require medical intervention. Pain remedies include soaking in a bath or applying a cool rag to blistered areas, which may also help you avoid scratching the rash, which can upset the blisters, causing further irritation and hindering healing. If pain is unbearable, prescription medications may be prescribed, including corticosteroids to reduce swelling and pain. Other drugs like anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications and anti-neuralgia medicines can also ease the symptoms of the shingles virus.
