Shingles Ache Duration, Progression, and Remedy Explained
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus - the same virus that causes chickenpox - can lead to a painful and potentially debilitating condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
In the early stages of shingles, a person may experience symptoms such as fever, malaise, burning, tingling, or numbness on one side of the body, and a red rash. The rash typically changes from a red rash to fluid-filled blisters within a matter of days, and the blisters typically begin to crust over within 7-10 days.
During the prodromal stage for shingles, which may last anywhere from several days to a week, a person may also develop symptoms such as fever, nausea or vomiting, headache, and chills.
After the shingles rash and blisters have healed, usually within 2 to 3 weeks, PHN may begin. This condition presents as intense, chronic nerve pain that persists for at least 90 days after the shingles rash has resolved. Common symptoms include allodynia (pain from light touch), hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain), and hypoesthesia (numbness).
The pain in PHN is often described as burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like and affects the same dermatome (skin area) where the shingles rash occurred. PHN can last for months or even years after the shingles rash clears, with over 30% of patients experiencing pain for more than one year, severely impacting quality of life.
The shingles vaccine is available to healthy adults over the age of 50 and is administered in two doses. It is recommended for those who have had chickenpox, previously had shingles, or received Zostavax. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for the shingles vaccine. For example, a person who has an active case of shingles or an allergy to the vaccine or any of its ingredients should not get the vaccine.
Shingles can cause complications such as vision loss, hearing difficulties, pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Common areas for shingles rashes to appear include the forehead and scalp, shoulder and neck, and upper or lower abdomen.
If you suspect you have shingles, it's important to contact a doctor as soon as you develop an unexplained rash, particularly if it develops on one side of the body or follows a tingling sensation. Antiviral medications like valacyclovir, famciclovir, and acyclovir can help shorten the duration of shingles when taken during the early stages of the infection.
Home treatments for shingles pain and itchiness include applying calamine lotion, warm or cool, wet compresses, bathing in a colloidal oatmeal mixture, wearing loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers, avoiding scratching blisters, engaging in enjoyable activities to help distract from the pain, minimizing stress, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding scratching blisters.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Shingles (herpes zoster). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20374393 [2] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Postherpetic neuralgia fact sheet. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Postherpetic-Neuralgia-Fact-Sheet [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Shingles. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html [4] World Health Organization. (2021). Shingles (herpes zoster). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster) [5] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Shingles. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/shingles
- Shingles, a condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can lead to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a debilitating nerve pain.
- The rash associated with shingles initially appears as a red, fluid-filled blister that changes over days and crusts over within 7-10 days.
- During the prodromal stage of shingles, symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache, and chills may occur, followed by a rash on one side of the body.
- After the shingles rash and blisters heal, PHN may develop, causing chronic nerve pain that can persist for months or years.
- Symptoms of PHN include allodynia, hyperalgesia, and hypoesthesia, affecting the same dermatome where the shingles rash occurred.
- The shingles vaccine, administered in two doses, is recommended for adults over 50 and can help prevent shingles and its complications, including vision loss, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
- Drastic changes in body temperature, exposure to UV light, or physical stress can trigger a shingles outbreak, making those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and skin problems, more susceptible.
- A person with a history of bipolar or neurological disorders, such as macular degeneration, may have a higher risk of developing shingles and experiencing its complications.
- A person who has an active case of shingles or an allergy to the vaccine should not receive the vaccine; it's essential to discuss immunizations and vaccines with a doctor.
- Fitness and exercise, healthy diet, and skin care are crucial for maintaining overall health and wellness and reducing the risk of developing medical conditions like shingles.
- For home treatment of shingles pain and itchiness, calamine lotion, warm or cool compresses, colloidal oatmeal baths, loose-fitting clothing, and stress management techniques can provide relief and aid in recovery.
