Critical Warning Signs Of Shingles

Shingles is quite a painful condition. It is a viral infection, stemming from the varicella-zoster virus, which is what also causes chickenpox. While individuals can only get chickenpox once, the virus will remain dormant in their system for years, when it can then reappear as shingles. The worst symptoms tend to last approximately two to four weeks. However, in some cases, early warning signs develop before a painful rash develops.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for shingles. However, shingles treatments do exist. Typically, patients will need to take antiviral medication for shingles. These will help reduce complications and, ideally, speed up the healing process. Corticosteroid injections, numbing agents, anticonvulsants, and prescription pain medications help reduce the pain that patients experience due to shingles. Of course, many patients also want to try some of the various natural remedies for shingles, including cool and wet compresses for the rash.

Burning, Tingling, And Itching

Although some areas are more commonly affected than others, shingles can affect many parts of the body. Burning, tingling, and itching on the body is often the first symptom, as a patient's sensitivity to pain increases due to this condition. This dull sensation is what causes patients with shingles to experience itching and burning. Some shingles patients will feel a dull tingling, though others will experience sharp pain. It is crucial to seek medical attention regardless of the affected area. However, symptoms affecting the face require immediate medical attention. On average, once this dull pain begins, a rash will surface one to three days later.

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A Severe Headache

Shingles can cause headaches that are more like migraines in terms of severity. Some individuals experience 'ice pack headaches,' which are sharp and often compared to a stabbing sensation. This is often due to pain resulting from the cranial nerves. A headache due to shingles can also result in pain around the eyes or ears. Many individuals often mistake this for a migraine instead.

While there are other warning signs of shingles that often appear alongside a severe headache, it is still important to discuss migraine-like headaches with a doctor. Doctors can conduct tests and ask the appropriate questions to determine the cause and recommend treatment.

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