What does shingles without rash mean?

But it’s possible to have shingles without a rash. This is known as zoster sine herpete (ZSH) or internal shingles. It is caused by the same virus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), that causes shingles (herpes zoster). While it doesn’t produce a painful, itching rash, internal shingles does cause other symptoms.

Can a 24 year old get shingles?

Although it’s more common in older adults, young adults can also develop shingles. In fact, the incidence of shingles has been gradually increasing in adults of all ages over the past few decades.

What can be mistaken for shingles?

Shingles can sometimes be mistaken for another skin conditions, such as hives, psoriasis, or eczema. Share on Pinterest A doctor should always be consulted if shingles is suspected. The characteristics of a rash may help doctors identify the cause. For example, hives are often raised and look like welts.

What does a mild case of shingles look like?

The generalized signs and symptoms in the body may include: Raised red rash which usually appears a few days after the pain. Multiple blisters which appear in a stripe pattern. The blisters contain fluid and they break open with crusting. Fever, chills, fatigue, and body ache.

What does shingles nerve pain feel like?

The main symptom of post-herpetic neuralgia is intermittent or continuous nerve pain in an area of your skin previously affected by shingles. The pain may come and go or be continuous. It can be described as burning, stabbing, shooting, aching, throbbing or like electric shocks.

Can shingles cause back pain without rash?

Shingles with no rash is called zoster sine herpete (ZSH), and may cause the following symptoms: chills. pain. muscle aches.

Are shingles brought on by stress?

Shingles and Emotional Stress Emotional stress is considered a trigger for shingles because it has been shown to weaken the body’s immune system. This can happen in those who have undergone a sudden shock, such as the death of a loved one, or people who face chronic work or life stress.

What triggers a shingles outbreak?

Shingles is triggered by a weakened or compromised immune system. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a virus infection that causes painful rashes on the body, usually on one side of your torso. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.

What does shingles pain feel like?

The first sign of shingles, which is also called herpes zoster, is pain that might feel like burning or tingling on one side of your face, chest, back, or waist. It can be intense. You might also feel like you’re coming down with the flu, with symptoms such as: Fever.

Can someone have a mild case of shingles?

For some people, the symptoms of shingles are mild. They might just have some itching. For others, shingles can cause intense pain that can be felt from the gentlest touch or breeze.

Will shingles go away if left untreated?

Shingles, or herpes zoster, usually clears up in 2 to 4 weeks. However, as the infection can spread to other organs, it may lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.

What is the best treatment for shingles rash?

Treatment. A specific cure for shingles has not yet been developed, so antiviral drugs are used to attack the virus and get rid of the rashes. These medications include Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir. The rashes can be treated at home as well through applying cold compresses and calamine lotion to treat the inflammation and redness.

Is it safe to work with shingles?

If you have shingles, you’re contagious until the last blister has dried and scabbed over. To help prevent the virus being passed on, avoid sharing towels or flannels, swimming, or playing contact sports. You should also avoid work or school if your rash is weeping (oozing fluid) and can’t be covered.

What are symptoms of shingles without rash?

Shingles with no rash is called zoster sine herpete (ZSH), and may cause the following symptoms: chills. pain. muscle aches. numbness and tingling. burning under the skin. swollen lymph nodes. fever.

Can you spread shingles by scratching?

Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer infectious. Shingles is less contagious than chickenpox and the risk of a person with shingles spreading the virus is low if the rash is covered. If you have shingles, you should: cover the rash and avoid touching or scratching the rash.