Herpes Zoster, aka shingles, is caused by varicella, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The condition, which lingers in nerve cells, can be rather painful. Most outbreaks last for at least several weeks and can be triggered by stress, disease and other factors.
The first symptom of herps zoster is usually the existence of widespread pain and/or sensitivity on one side of the body. This tends to be widespread but localized to that one side of the corpus. This sensation may or may not be accompanied by itching, tingling, burning, aching or shooting pain. After a few days (1-3), red bumps and blisters erupt on the skin. This rash generally occurs on the torso region and can be mistaken for hives.
These “hives” will eventually become pus-filled and form scabs. Those scabs fall off within 2-3 weeks on average. At the time, the pain tends to subside. Scars may remain, however.
Other symptoms can include:
- Fever and/or chills,
- Malaise (a general feeling of being unwell),
- Headache,
- Swelling of the lymph nodes,
- Vision disturbances,
- Problems with taste,
- Ptosis (aka drooping eyelids),
- Ophthalmoplegia (aka decreased eye motion),
- Hearing difficulties,
- Joint pain,
- Genital lesions
- And abdominal pain.
Shingled can have other symptoms. These depend on which dermatone (area of skin supplied by one spinal nerve) is affected. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, which affects the eyes and occurs in about 10 – 25% of all cases of shingles, can yield eye infections such as conjunctivitis, or pink eye. It can also cause loss of vision and severe ocular pain. Herpes zoster oticus, also known as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome type II, involves the ear and can lead to hearing loss as well as vertigo.
Vertigo is a certain kind of dizziness that causes the sensation of spinning or swaying while the body remains stationary. Vertigo may contribute to nausea and/or vomiting and create challenges in standing and/or walking for those afflicted with the condition.
Shingles usually disappears on its own after several weeks. However, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or have conditions that comprise the immune system such as HIV, leukemia and so forth, you will want to seek medical attention. It’s also important to talk to your doctor if these symptoms of the herpes zoste virus persist for longer than 2-3 weeks.
