[toc]Shingles is a result of reactivation of virus which causes chickenpox. Shingles is relatively uncommon in developed countries. Shingles can present itself with rashes, mild pain, tingling, and itching sensation. Shingles affects nerves; therefore, rashes can be painful in nature. It usually affects either left or right side of the body. Severity of shingles symptoms reduces as it abates.
This may take 3 to 4 weeks. The recovery time for the shingles differs from one patient to another. However, pain associated with shingles may last even after shingles has resolved. Let us try to understand more about important shingles symptoms.
5 Symptoms Of Shingles
Rash
During the initial stages of shingles, a rash is clearly visible on the body. It may appear as a band or mild skin protrusion. This rash worsens with intensity with progression of disease. It can be itchy and irritating in nature.
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Neurological Symptoms
As stated above, shingles is a result of virus affecting the nerves. Therefore, patient can experience a lot of neurological symptoms. These symptoms include tingling, mild burning, and numbness with associated tickling sensation.
Symptoms are often elicited with touch and friction. These symptoms can also worsen during nighttime. Post treatment, patients can suffer from postherpetic neuralgia. This condition is very common with patients who suffer from shingles. Neurological symptoms can last for a long time with this medical condition even after shingles has resolved.
Pain
It is a very common symptom of shingles. Pain associated with shingles starts as a band. However, it worsens with time like other symptoms. It presents as a piercing needle-like sensation near rashes with a lot of discomfort. It is often highly sensitive to touch.
Pain can also persist for years even after shingles resolves completely. It can wax and wane in intensity. Chest and forehead are the most common regions affected by shingles pain. Pain can also occur near eye region.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Shingles can also result in symptoms which are usually common with flu. However, it does not present with a fever. These symptoms include intermittent chills, diarrhea, and mild to moderate stomach discomfort. This is a direct consequence of shingles virus affecting neurological system.
These symptoms are very common during the initial stages of disease. They usually reduce in intensity and are replaced by other moderate to severe symptoms as the disease progresses. Symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea do not last for a very long time.
Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are present near neck and underarms. Enlarged and swollen lymph nodes are very common with viral diseases. Swelling in the lymph nodes can be seen during the initial stages of shingles. This is a result of body’s defense mechanism trying to fight against shingles.
Lymph node swelling can also be associated with tenderness, which can be mild to moderate in intensity. Lymph node swelling usually reduces within 2-3 weeks and tenderness also abates in intensity. However, mild discomfort may be present near lymph nodes during shingles.
Conclusion
Shingles affects nerves. Therefore, it has a lot of symptoms associated with it. Common symptoms include pain, rash, itching, tingling, lymph node swelling, and stomach discomfort. The rash associated with shingles is often tender to touch.
