Shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, is a viral infection characterized by a painful rash and blisters. It results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox in children or unvaccinated individuals.
After recovering from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. Years later, it can reactivate as shingles. The condition is most common in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Understanding its symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment:
Localized Rash: Appears as a band or strip on one side of the body or face, consisting of painful blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and fully clear up within 2 to 4 weeks.
Pain: Before the rash appears, there may be pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. This pain can be mild to severe and is often described as burning, shooting, or stabbing.
Additional Symptoms:
Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to prompt treatment, reducing the risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, where the pain from shingles lasts long after the rash has cleared.
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