Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus that was in incubation period is reactivated in nerve tissue. Initial signs of this time include tingling and local pain. Although not all patients are affected, most patients with shingles develop blisters. You may experience itching, burning sensation, or severe pain. Rashes typically last two to four weeks, and most people recover completely. In this article, the initial symptoms and causes of shingles occur in detail.
an early sign
In general, early symptoms of herpes zoster include fever in the body and pain, burning sensation, or tingling in the area. When the virus is activated, the first signs appear a few days later. Pink or red spots may begin to appear on one side of the body, which is distributed along the neural pathway. Some people say they feel stinging pain in the area where the rash is. In this early stage, shingles is not contagious.
What are the symptoms?
Over time, the initial signs worsen, leading to distinct herpes zoster symptoms, including the following characteristics.
1. Blisters
Rashes quickly produce blisters filled with body fluids similar to chickenpox, and may be accompanied by itching. New blisters continue to form for days. This blister appears in local areas and does not spread throughout the body. Blisters are most common in the body and face, but they can occur elsewhere, and although rare, rashes may appear on the lower body. It is impossible to transfer shingles to someone, but if you have never been vaccinated with chickenpox, you can be infected by direct contact with active blisters. This virus causes shingles or chickenpox.
2. Ttakji
Blisters burst out and seep out over time. Then it turns slightly yellow, becomes flat, and starts to dry. Each blister can take about a week or two to harden completely. At this stage, the pain may be slightly relieved, but it may continue for months or years. If all blisters are completely scabbed, the risk of the virus spreading is low.
3. Distribution of herpes zoster
Red spots and blisters usually appear around the thorax or waist, and may look like they are banded. When you wear clothes focusing on this range, you may feel uncomfortable or painful.
Distribution on the face and eyes
Occasionally, shingles affects nerves that control the senses and movements of the eyes and face. In this type, herpes zoster rash appears around the eyes, on the forehead and nose, and can be accompanied by headaches. Other symptoms include eye redness and swelling, corneal or iris inflammation, and eyelid sagging, which can cause blurred vision or double vision.
widespread herpes zoster
According to the CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, about 20% of people with shingles develop rashes across multiple skin areas. Dermatomes refer to a skin area supplied by a separate spinal nerve. If the rash affects three or more skin segments, it is referred to as disseminated or broad-based shingles. In this case, the rash may look more like chickenpox than shingles. In general, this condition is more likely to occur when the immune system is much weakened.
contagiousness
All types of open ulcers are always susceptible to bacterial infections. To reduce the likelihood of secondary infection, the area should be kept clean and not scratched. Secondary infections are more likely to occur even if the immune system is weakened. In addition, since it is contagious when blisters are formed and burst, skin contact with others in the affected area should be avoided, especially cleanliness should be taken care of. Severe infections can leave permanent scars on the skin. If there are signs of infection, you should immediately seek medical attention and start treatment to help prevent the spread.
a healing period
Most people expect the rash to heal within two to four weeks. Some people may have minor scars, but most recover without noticeable scars. In some cases, pain in the rash area can last for more than a few months, which is known as post-shingles neuralgia.
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