What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Shingles?
The symptoms of shingles occur in three stages, the prodromal stage, which occurs before the onset of the disease’s characteristic rash; the active stage, during which the rash appears and is present; and the postherpetic neuralgia, or chronic pain stage.
Prodromal Stage
● The first symptom of shingles typically is extreme sensitivity to pain in a broad band across one side of the body, along the dermatomes or where the nerves from the spine function. This can be accompanied by an itching, tingling, burning, aching or shooting, “lightning-bolt” pain. These symptoms may occur in the face or near the eyes -- which is a sign to seek immediate medical attention.
● Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache and itching are common.
● Stomach ache and diarrhea may accompany the onset of other flu-like symptoms.
● Swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes may develop.
● Fatigue, body aches or headaches may develop in the early stages of the disease.
● A general feeling of malaise often accompanies the early pain and itching associated with the disease.
Active Stage
● One to three days after the pain starts, a rash with raised, red bumps and blisters erupts on the skin in the same distribution as the pain. These blisters become filled with pus, then form scabs about 10-12 days after onset. In some cases, the pain may be present without the rash or blisters.