[Health Column] 7 Key Facts to Know if You Have Early Symptoms of Shingles

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

 

 

Hello, this is Director Choi Woo-hyuk.

 

Shingles, a disease that is easy to weaken the immune system due to large temperature differences during this time of year, should be approached with caution. In this article, I will organize all information about shingles, including early symptoms, contagiousness, causes, recovery period, self-diagnosis and self-treatment, and treatment methods.

 

 

Herpes zoster is a disease in which the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) remains dormant and becomes active when immunity decreases. Usually, it infects during childhood, causing chickenpox, and then remains dormant around the nerves without symptoms. When immunity is weakened, the virus reactivates along the nerves, leading to skin rashes and severe pain.

 

 

Early symptoms of shingles

 

The initial symptoms of shingles often include pain and the appearance of a red rash. Usually, it appears unilaterally, and if the body is divided into two halves with the head as the center, the rash occurs on only one side and does not cross over to the other side. It most commonly appears on the torso or buttocks, but can also occur on the face, arms, or legs. The rash appears 2 to 3 days after the onset of pain, which can be accompanied by severe pain, fever, and headache. Blisters last for about 2 to 3 weeks, and after they disappear, pustules and scabs form and gradually heal. Recognizing these early symptoms of shingles and seeking timely treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of the disease.

 

 

Shingles symptoms

 

 

The symptoms of shingles typically appear as a red rash with pain on one side of the body or face. Within a few days, this rash can develop into blisters filled with fluid. General symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headache may also occur. Especially in individuals over 50, persistent pain (postherpetic neuralgia) can accompany the rash even after it has subsided.

 

 

Herpes zoster contagiousness

Shingles is generally less contagious, but people who have not been exposed to the chickenpox virus should be cautious. Since shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus, infection with this virus can lead to chickenpox. The blisters caused by shingles are contagious, so to prevent virus transmission, direct contact should be avoided. Usually, the virus is contagious from 2 to 3 days after the rash begins, and if the rash persists for a longer period, it can be contagious up to 7 days. This period can vary from person to person, but once the initial blisters have dried up and scabs have formed on all the blisters, the risk of transmission is almost zero, so you can rest assured at that time.

 

 

Reasons for getting shingles

The main reason for developing shingles is a weakened immune system. Immune decline can result not only from natural aging or old age but also from various causes such as AIDS, organ transplantation, chemotherapy/radiation therapy, use of immunosuppressants, stress, illness, and accidents. Even people who have had chickenpox may experience reactivation of the virus and develop shingles if their immune system is significantly weakened. For these reasons, shingles primarily poses a higher risk to adults aged 50 to 60 and older with decreased immunity, making prevention and immune system management important.

 

 

Shingles recovery period

The recovery period for shingles is generally about 2 to 4 weeks. The duration of recovery varies depending on an individual's immune response and the severity of symptoms, but skin lesions typically heal within 2 to 4 weeks. However, if nerve pain is present, the pain may persist for more than 6 months, requiring additional management.

 

 

Self-diagnosis and self-treatment

Self-diagnosis of shingles can be difficult because the symptoms of shingles are similar to those of other skin conditions.

Do you feel a tingling or itching sensation in a specific area of your skin?
Do you have localized pain or a burning sensation?
Are the rashes or blisters concentrated on one side of your body?
Do you have systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or headache?

If these symptoms appear, you may suspect shingles, and it is advisable to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.

 

 

The effectiveness of self-treatment methods for shingles is limited, and the most reliable way to treat it is to take antiviral medications as soon as possible. However, if it is difficult to take antiviral drugs immediately, temporary pain relief can be achieved through methods such as cold compresses, using regular painkillers, and maintaining rest.

 

 

However, there is a golden time for shingles treatment. If treatment is missed within 72 hours after the first rash appears, the severity of pain may increase or the treatment duration may lengthen. Therefore, it is best to seek treatment as quickly as possible when early symptoms of shingles appear.

 

 

Herpes zoster treatment

 

Shingles treatment primarily involves the use of antiviral medications to suppress viral activity and alleviate symptoms. Antiviral drugs are most effective when administered within 72 hours of rash onset, and painkillers or nerve stabilizers may be additionally prescribed if pain is severe. Soothing ointments or compresses can help reduce discomfort at the rash site. Additionally, adopting lifestyle habits that strengthen the immune system can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

 

Herpes zoster is a disease that tends to occur when immunity is weakened, and it can leave sequelae such as neuralgia, making early treatment very important. In particular, middle-aged and older adults are at higher risk of developing the disease, so even if there are no symptoms, it is advisable to consider vaccination. Paying attention to prevention and management, and maintaining lifestyle habits that strengthen immunity in daily life, are helpful. By leading a healthy life, you can reduce the risk of herpes zoster and maintain physical and mental stability.

 

 

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

Graduated from Korea University College of Life Sciences
Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine
Kyung Hee University Hospital Resident
Full member of the Korean Society of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine

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