Reasons why self-diagnosing shingles symptoms is difficult (Please read carefully)

At my workplace, my back has been aching for a few days now.
There was someone who said even a light touch hurts.
At first, I thought it was just muscle pain or a simple skin trouble.
They said that the hospital mentioned "early symptoms of shingles."

 

Herpes zoster occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates.
It is a disease that causes inflammation along the nerves.
Pain and blisters that appear on only one side are typical.

 

 

 

Does there have to be blistering for it to be shingles?

 

Many people think, "If there are no blisters, isn't it not shingles?"
You might think so, but in reality, there are many cases of shingles symptoms without blisters.

 

Initial symptoms of shingles:

• Unexplained stabbing pain, tingling, itching
• Abnormal sensation of pain even when touching a specific area
• A heavy sensation that feels almost like muscle pain
• No changes in the skin or only the appearance of red spots.

 

Especially in cases where blisters appear late,
It is easy to miss the timing of diagnosis.
Self-diagnosis is almost impossible in this state.

 

Shingles symptoms are felt differently depending on the area.

• Face/Scalp: Pain and redness around the eyes, beside the ears, and under the chin
  It can lead to vision/hearing impairment.
• Thigh: Burning pain, throbbing. Red spots on the skin
• Back/torso: a tingling and stabbing sensation,
  Discomfort just from touching clothes

🔥 "It was just a burning sensation without any reason, so I just ignored it." 🔥

There are many such cases.

 

 

 

 

When searching for pictures, there are various images of shingles symptoms such as blisters, spots, and scabs.
It is much more common for nerve pain symptoms to occur before skin symptoms.

 

Can I self-diagnose shingles?

 

It's not the correct answer.
Herpes zoster initially shows no special changes on the skin.

 

Especially, shingles without blisters symptoms are
There are also cases where collaboration with dermatology/neurosurgery is needed at the hospital.
So, even if it's a mild pain
If it repeats in only one area, you must see a doctor.

 

 

The sooner the treatment, the better.

 

 

For shingles, it is best to take antiviral medication within the first 72 hours.
It can reduce pain and also prevent nerve damage (postherpetic neuralgia).

If treatment is started too late
Even after the skin heals, the pain can last for months or even several years.
In particular, facial shingles require prompt referral to ophthalmology/ENT for coordinated care.

 

 

 

 

 

One-line summary 🤔🤔

 

- Shingles symptoms may not include blisters
- From various areas such as face, scalp, thighs, and back
It first appears as 'strange pain'.
Self-diagnosis of shingles is difficult.
- I must go to the hospital immediately.