Recognizing the Early Signs of a Shingles Flare-Up

Shingles is a painful viral infection caused by a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox. Though more common in older adults and people with a weakened immune system, if you had chickenpox, you’re at risk of having shingles.

Recognizing the early signs of the painful infection can help you get better faster and prevent long-term complications.

At Associated Skin Care Specialists, our board-certified dermatologists diagnose and treat shingles. Here, we want to share some of the early warning signs of shingles and what to do if you suspect you have it.

About shingles

Each year in the US, about 1 million people are diagnosed with shingles. The painful rash is  caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. You might never get chickenpox again, but the virus remains in your body, in a collection of nerves in the spine.

The inactive virus causes no problems or symptoms until it reactivates, often decades after you had chickenpox. It’s believed that reactivation happens because your immune system becomes less effective at keeping it in check.

Shingles causes a painful rash that may affect any part of the body, often on either side of the waist. The rash might also itch and develop blisters that break open and crust over. You might also suffer from headaches and fevers. 

While symptoms usually clear up within three to five weeks, some people may develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a complication that causes ongoing pain at the site of the rash. 

There’s no cure for shingles, but antiviral medications may lessen the duration of symptoms and prevent complications if you start it within the first few days of the infection.

Are you at risk?

If you had chickenpox, you risk having shingles. Your likelihood is higher if you’re older than 50,  have a weakened immune system, or are stressed. 

Early signs of shingles

You can’t stop shingles, but recognizing the early signs can help you get ahead of the infection. Early symptoms usually include tingling, burning, shooting pain, or intense itching on one side of the body.

The rash occurs a few days after the pain and may first appear as a strip of red dots that turn into blisters. 

When to get help

If you suspect you have shingles, schedule an appointment right away, especially if the rash is near your eyes or you have a weakened immune system. We can determine if the rash is shingles and prescribe antiviral medication that may help you get better faster. 

You should also get help if your symptoms are severe or your rash is widespread. Persistent pain after the rash goes away also needs medical attention — it’s likely a sign of PHN.

You're contagious as soon as the blisters appear, so keep your rash covered, wash your hands regularly, and avoid contact with people at risk of complications from the virus like infants and immunocompromised people.

The shingles vaccine can help prevent the infection. If you’re 50 or older or 19 or older with a weakened immune system, talk with one of our doctors about receiving it.

Think your rash is shingles? Don’t wait; call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists. 

We provide dermatology care at our offices in Blaine, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Fridley, Coon Rapids, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.