Shingles Self-Assessment Checklist!

Herpes zoster is a disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus remains dormant in the nerve ganglia after chickenpox infection and can reactivate when the immune system weakens, leading to herpes zoster. Herpes zoster mainly occurs in adults over the age of 50 or in individuals with weakened immune systems. The following is a self-diagnosis checklist for herpes zoster and an explanation of each item.

1. Do you have blisters or rashes on your skin?

   • One of the main symptoms of shingles is the appearance of blisters or rashes on the skin. Initially, red spots appear, which then turn into blisters.
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2. Does the skin rash occur only on one side along the nerves?

   • Shingles usually tend to occur on one side of the body, especially along the nerves. It is characterized by appearing on only one side without crossing the midline of the body.
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3. Before the rash appeared, did you experience pain or abnormal sensations in that area?

   • Before shingles appear, symptoms such as pain, itching, and abnormal sensations may first occur in the affected area.
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4. Do you feel itching or stinging sensations in the area of the skin rash?

   • The rash area often accompanies a feeling of itching or stinging.
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5. Does the rash area develop blisters, pus, or scabs?

   • The rash may turn into blisters, and over time, pus may accumulate or scabs may form.
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6. Do you have a fever or body aches along with the rash?

   • Fever, chills, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms may accompany the rash.
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7. Are there swollen or painful lymph nodes around the rash area?

   • Swollen or painful lymph nodes may be felt around the rash area.
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8. Have you ever had chickenpox in the past?

   • Shingles occurs after having chickenpox, when the virus remains dormant and is reactivated.
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9. Have you recently experienced weakened immunity or high levels of stress?

   • When immunity weakens or when experiencing high levels of stress, the risk of developing shingles may increase.
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10. Does the rash persist with severe pain?

    • Shingles can cause very severe pain along with rash, and this pain may persist.
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If many items on the checklist apply, there is a high likelihood of shingles, so it is advisable to see a doctor promptly. Without proper treatment, pain may persist for a long time, and especially if the immune system is weakened, complications may occur.