What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?
The symptoms of shingles include:
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Localized burning, tingling, itching, prickling pain that starts days days to weeks before the rash appears. The pain varies by person but can be constant or come and go.
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Days after these symptoms appear, a group of fluid-filled blisters appears on a red, inflamed base of skin; the blisters typically crust over in a week.
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The rash may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, or headache.
- The rash will not cross the mid-line of your body.
Call Your Doctor About Shingles If:
- You suspect an outbreak is beginning. If you take antiviral drugs in the early stages, you may shorten the course of the infection.
- You have the rash anywhere on your face. This puts you at risk of herpes zoster in the eye, which can lead to corneal damage and vision problems.
- The affected area becomes secondarily infected with bacteria (indicated by spreading redness, swelling, a high fever, and pus); antibiotics can help halt the spread of bacterial infection but not the shingles itself.
- Your rash lasts longer than 10 days without improvement.
- The pain becomes too great to bear; your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers or a nerve block.
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You have shingles and are in contact with someone who has a weakened immune system.
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You develop any strange symptoms with the shingles rash, such as vertigo, buzzing in your ears, rapid onset weakness, double vision, face droop, or confusion.