What does shingles look like? How does shingles start? How does shingles affect the body? How is the diagnosis made and treatment options available?
How does shingles start? The symptoms generally develop around one day before the rash becomes visible. Generally, the initial symptoms emerge one to ten days before the actual rash appears. Shingules (pus clogging around one side of the body) can be triggered by stress, infection, chemicals, or physical injury. Shinglers can also be caused by exposure to hot water or cold temperatures, which can make the pain worse.
What are some of the common symptoms of shingles? Like other rashes, the first noticeable symptom is itching. Severe cases can cause pain while walking or standing. Other symptoms include swelling, burning and pain around one side of your body. These symptoms do not usually appear until several days or weeks after the initial infection has occurred. A few people have reported feeling an unusual tingling sensation, especially around the area where the rash is forming.
How does shingles start? The exact cause of shingles pain is not yet known. There are many possible triggers including the same virus that causes chicken pox in humans. Researchers have noted that some strains of this virus are linked to rheumatic fever and other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to shingles.
Can symptoms begin to show after just a few days or weeks? Most people believe the condition starts out as itching, then develops into a rash that gradually grows in size. In some rare cases, the rash becomes open sores and may even crust over. People who have had previous outbreaks of the virus have also reported experiencing itching and a feeling of having a urinary tract infection prior to developing the rash. If you think you might have gotten a case of herpesvirus, it’s important to know and understand the symptoms so you can seek proper medical attention. The virus can be spread if the person having the outbreak shares the same room or bed with an infected person.
Some of the common symptoms reported are rash around one side of the body, itching, burning, and/or nausea. There is some debate on whether or not a rash around one side is considered a symptom. Some doctors think the rash around one side is a sign of secondary infections related to shingles, while others believe it’s a symptom of an allergy. If you have symptoms that don’t fit into the above categories, it’s important to see your doctor so he can rule out any infections. If you do get an infection, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics for relief of symptoms.
The question of how does shingles affect the immune system is a difficult one. The virus generally doesn’t attack the immune system directly, but the symptoms are similar to those of an illness. Some research has indicated that some people are more prone to develop symptoms due to the immune system not functioning properly. A weak immune system may lead to complications such as depression or chronic pain and shingles often affects older adults, but studies have not conclusively determined why this occurs.
The pain that people experience on one side or the other of their body can be uncomfortable. Shingle rash causes pain and itching on one side or both. It generally begins on one leg, although it can spread to the lower calf, foot or ankle. People who suffer from this type of herpesvirus often notice redness, warmth and sometimes numbness on one or both legs. While most people experience only the pain or itching, those who experience the virus’ rash may also develop blisters that weep, crack and crust over. While these symptoms aren’t serious, they can be annoying and embarrassing.