They often affect just a small area. The most common location is on the side of the waist, although they can occur anywhere. Several days before a rash appears, shingles may cause skin sensitivity or pain. Further early symptoms include:. Within the next 1 to 5 days, a red rash will normally form around the sensitive area.
A few days later, fluid-filled blisters will develop at the site of the rash. The blisters will ooze before drying up, typically within 10 days of appearing.
At this point, scabs will form on the skin, tending to heal within 2 weeks. It should be noted that shingles symptoms range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing itching and mild discomfort and others having intense pain. Most cases of shingles resolve without causing long-term effects. However, potential complications include:. Post-herpetic neuropathy PHN is a common complication of shingles. It refers to nerve damage that causes pain and burning that persists after the shingles infection is gone.
Some sources suggest that up to 20 percent of people who get shingles develop PHN with older adults thought to be especially at risk. Treating PHN is difficult, and the symptoms can last for years.
However, most people fully recover within 12 months. It is not known why some people who have shingles go on to develop PHN. The risk factors for PHN include:. According to some research , older women who get severe pain and rash symptoms may have a 50 percent chance of developing PHN. The National Institute on Aging recommend that people seek medical treatment no later than 3 days after the rash appears.
Early treatment can limit pain, help the rash heal quicker, and may reduce scarring. These ease symptoms, speed up recovery, and may prevent complications. A course of antiviral medications is usually prescribed for 7 to 10 days. Options include:. Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 3 days of the rash onset, although they may still be prescribed within the first 7 days of the rash appearing. Over-the-counter OTC or prescription medications may reduce pain and skin irritation.
Some of these medications are available for purchase online, including ibuprofen , antihistamines , and lidocaine. Certain antidepressant drugs have been proven effective in reducing shingles pain, as well as symptoms of PHN. Although typically used to treat epilepsy , some anticonvulsant drugs may reduce nerve pain.
Most cases can be diagnosed from a visual examination, but the doctor may order a shingles test if you have a condition that weakens the immune system. Although there is no cure for shingles, early treatment with antiviral medications can help the blisters clear up faster and limit severe pain. Shingles can often be treated at home. After the shingles rash goes away, some people may be left with ongoing pain called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN. The pain is felt in the area where the rash occurred.
The older you are when you get shingles, the greater your chances of developing PHN. The PHN pain can cause depression , anxiety, sleeplessness , and weight loss. Some people with PHN find it hard to go about their daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, and eating. Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing PHN or have any of these symptoms.
Usually, PHN will lessen over time. Everyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles. Researchers do not fully understand what makes the virus become active and cause shingles. But some things make it more likely:. The current shingles vaccine brand name Shingrix is a safe, easy, and more effective way to prevent shingles than the previous vaccine. Most adults age 50 and older should get vaccinated with the shingles vaccine, which is given in two doses.
Medicare Part D and private health insurance plans may cover some or all of the cost. Bacterial infection. A bacterial infection of the skin where the rash happens is another complication.
Rarely, infections can lead to more problems, such as tissue death and scarring. When an infection happens near or on the eyes, a corneal infection can happen. This can lead to temporary or permanent blindness. Can shingles be prevented? When should I call my healthcare provider? Key points about shingles Shingles is a common viral infection of the nerves.
It causes a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin. It is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of The rash is typically affects just one area on one side of the body or face. Treatment that is started as soon as possible helps reduce the severity of the disease.
Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you.
Also know what the side effects are. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.
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