Are the symptoms of shingles painful? If you have had chicken pox, you probably know that the actual pain isn’t severe, only the redness is present. Shingles is completely different; the skin becomes inflamed and may even result in blisters.
Shingles is caused by a varicella-zoster Virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox) virus rash. After a person has received chickenpox, the infection stays in their body, causing no outward symptoms. Some people develop blisters on one side of the body, while others develop on both sides. The virus may not cause any symptoms for years. One side will often be more painful than the other.
There are several ways to tell if you have shingles rash. The first is itching. Chickenpox blisters tend to itch, but with this condition, the itchiness seems to come at an extremely fast pace. People with the chicken pox will experience the itchiness ten to fifteen days after the rash appears. When the blisters do not seem to itch for at least ten days, they should be examined by a doctor to make sure there is not a more serious underlying problem.
Another way to tell if the rash is blistered is if the area around it is tender. Usually a rash will be itchy, but it may still be tender. If the rash is covered with a red crusty substance, such as coffee grounds or soap, and is accompanied by severe pain, you should consult your doctor immediately. Many types of pain medications are available, including over-the-counter pain medications, antibiotics, and pain medications that your doctor may prescribe.
One symptom that may worry people is pain or bleeding in the rash. The most common symptom is a rash that looks like a paper cut. The area where the rash appears will probably be warm to the touch and may tingle when touched. This area will also often be swollen and feel warm to the touch. However, some people experience more severe pain. They may experience extreme redness, and possibly a heavy, fluid-filled blisters.
Shingles is very contagious. Anyone can get it, regardless of their age, sex, or immune system. While the majority of people never develop shingles, those who have a weak immune system or who have a history of having chickenpox are at higher risk.
If you develop shingles or have an existing outbreak of shingles, there are several ways to treat it. There are two major options, medications or surgical options. If you choose to treat shingles with medications, your doctor will likely recommend antiviral medications such as valtrex, zovirax, famciclovir, valacyclovir, or molindone. These medications may be taken for a short time to relieve the pain associated with shingles. However, these medications cannot prevent shingles from reoccurring. Surgical options include laser surgery and burning or freezing of the rash.
Although most people are told to avoid getting chickenpox or avoid coming into contact with the varicella-zoster Virus, some people do get shingles anyway. However, the duration and severity of outbreaks can vary depending on the person, their immune system, and other factors. As a baby who is infected with the chickenpox does not have the same protection that adults do, they are at greater risk for serious complications like death. Therefore, the best course of action is to have a doctor evaluate you for shingles and prescribe treatment if needed.
The most common first symptom is a burning or itching rash that typically takes the form of a rash that appears on one side of the body. This rash may be pink, red, white, or yellow in appearance. Depending on the individual, the duration of the rash can vary. It can last anywhere from two days to a few months. In some cases, the rash will not only be present for a period of time but may appear and disappear during the night or when sleeping.
Another symptom of shingles is one side of the rash that appears to be swollen and has a clear liquid-filled blister. This side of the rash is usually located on one side of the body. When the fluid-filled blisters do not heal, scabs form that make it difficult to scratch or touch. The rash usually causes pain and is quite painful, especially at night. Scabs can also be found on other areas of the body as well.
Shingles can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergic reaction within the body. It can have serious complications if not treated quickly. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the nerves and tissue within the skin. If you believe you have shingles, consult with your doctor at once.
