What are the symptoms of shingles?
The first signs of shingles is usually pain, itching or tingling in the area where the rash will eventually appear- this usually happens only a few days before. Shingles soon develops as a painful rash, usually on one side of the face or body. The shingles rash develops into itchy blisters that will form scab in around 7 to 10 days, resolving within approximately 2 to 4 weeks.
Some people may experience other symptoms, including fever, headache, upset stomach or chills. Complications can occur as people increase in age.
A condition called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of shingles that can develop. People who develop PHN may experience severe, debilitating pain than can remain even after the rash has resolved.
Sources & Citations
1. Australian Government, Department of Health. The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Zoster (herpes zoster). Available at: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventable-diseases/zoster-herpes-zoster (accessed 19 March 2020).
2. Australian Government, Department of Health. Shingles (herpes zoster). Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/shingles-herpes-zoster (Accessed 19 March 2020).
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles (herpes zoster) signs and symptoms. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.html (Accessed 19 March 2020).3
SPANZ.SAPAS.18.04.0180(1)a - Date of preparation March 2020
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