Shingles Symptoms
Shingles
Shingles, which is related to chickenpox, is a type of infection that occurs within the nerve as well as the skin in the surrounding area. Both shingles and chickenpox are caused by a virus known as the herpes varicella-zoster virus.
The majority of persons undergo chickenpox in their youth with the virus remaining dormant within the body after the illness itself has dissipated. Fortunately, the immune system is usually successful in defending the body from re-infection. However, it is possible for the virus to reactivate when the person is an adult, thus leading to shingles. Unlike chickenpox, shingles will typically occur in an certain part of the body.
The most common shingles symptoms include rashes which typically develop into irritating blisters that scab ,similar to chickenpox, as well as pain in the area of infection.
Prognosis
In the majority of shingles cases, the rash typically lasts for between a week and 10 days with the area completely healing within 2 to 4 weeks. Because the infection can be quite painful, it is common for pain medications to be prescribed to patients.
Although the vast majority of persons with shingles do not undergo complications, it is possible for these difficulties to arise. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia which leads to intense pain in the nerves that can last for upwards of three months.
Approximately 10% of persons will experience postherpetic neuralgia after developing shingles. It is more likely for older individuals to undergo this complication and about 1/3 of shingles patients over the age of 80 will suffer from postherpetic neuralgia.
Likelihood of Developing Shingles
Approximately 3 out of every 1,000 persons in the UK develop shingles each year. It is possible for shingles to occur at any age and stage of life although it is far more common in those over the age of 50. Older individuals who are over the age of 80 have an increased likelihood of developing the infection with 11 out of every 1,000 being diagnosed with shingles.
Shingles is not at all common within children although it can occur. There is, as yet, no definitive known cause for the reactivation of the virus although many doctors believe it to be caused by a reduction in the functioning of the immune system. This can be caused by a number of factors including conditions such as AIDS and HIV, being at an older age, or increased stress.
Symptoms of Shingles
The shingles infection will typically last for between 2 and 4 weeks with the first symptom being a prickly feeling within the area that is infected. Pain and a subsequent rash will follow.
It is possible for any area of the body to be affected by the infection. However, the abdomen and the chest are most common areas for shingles to occur. Individuals with shingles may also experience pain in their legs and arms, fatigue, as well as discomfort near the eyes and upper parts of the face.
Shingles Symptoms
Initial Symptoms
Shingles has been shown to cause prodromal or early symptoms that can last for between 1 and 4 days before the rash presents itself. These symptoms include: muscle pain or myalgia, elevated temperature over 100.4 F or 38C, as well as numbness, tingling, or burning of the skin. Although these symptoms can occur, not everyone will experience them.
Pain
As well as potentially experiencing the above symptoms, individuals suffering from shingles typically undergo pain within the area of the infection. The pain, which can range from mild to intense, consists of a burning or dull pain that can be quite uncomfortable. Occasionally, the pain can become sharp with the skin in the affected area becoming tender to the touch as well.
The pain tends to be more intense among older patients with younger and healthier individuals experiencing less discomfort. Individuals with shingles often experience pain for a week or more before the rash is visible.
Rash
The rash usually presents itself about a week after the onset of pain. The rash is usually centered on a specific side and location of the body where a certain nerve is affected. The rash initially presents itself as red spots on the skin that then changes into blisters that are typically quite itchy and closely resemble chickenpox. Blisters may continue to arise for a period of about a week and begin to dissipate three days after they erupt. They typically change from red to a yellowish colour and begin to dry. As the final step to healing, the blisters form scabs that can lead to scarring. On average, it takes between 2 to 4 weeks for the area to thoroughly heal.
Consult a Physician
It is uncommon for the symptoms of shingles to become severe. Regardless, it is important that the individual speak with a physician if any symptoms are being experienced. If shingles treatment for the infection is obtained early, it is less likely that the shingles symptoms will become severe and the risk of complications will also be significantly reduced.
Treatment should be sought as soon as possible if the person is experiencing any of the following:
- Discomfort around the area of the eyes
- Intense headache
- Loss of memory
- Elevated temperature of more than 100.4F or 38C
- Confusion
The attention of a physician is particularly important in the event that the individual is pregnant or has a condition that would weaken the body’s immune system such as HIV or AIDS.
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