Shingles Overview

No matter how you look at it, a case of shingles is not a pleasant experience. Every case of shingles begins and ends unpleasantly. Shingles first surfaces as an intense pain or other unpleasant sensation. This sensation usually occurs in a large band along one side of the body, but can also present itself on the face or extremities of the body. This pain is so unpleasant that it is often described as a "lightning bolt pain." In addition to experiencing sensations of pain, you may be subjected to itching, irritation, throbbing or other unpleasantness.

After several days of these uncomfortable sensations, the second stage of shingles will begin. The second stage is not only the most noticeable but also the reason why shingles, which is actually called herpes zoster, earned its unofficial nickname. The second stage of shingles consists of a large rash. Unlike other minor rashes caused by irritation, the shingles rash is one that is quite intense. The rash consists of small red bumps and blisters.

After gradually growing for a few days, the blisters within the rash will begin to emit the pus that has been building up within them. This weeping of pus will continue for several days, and will eventually result in the blisters becoming scabbed over. After the blisters have scabbed, they will eventually fall off and leave behind a very tender area of skin. The scabbed blisters may or may not result in permanent scarring of the skin.

In order to minimize the effects of this extremely uncomfortable condition, it is important that you consult with a doctor as soon as you can. If you are experiencing the initial pain stage of shingles, it is vital to try to schedule and appointment with your doctor. During the first three to four days of shingles, a physician can evaluate you and possibly give you an antibiotic.

The antibiotic that you are given can be very effective in not only reducing the discomfort that comes along with shingles but also the amount of time that your case of shingles lasts. In addition to the help of your doctor, taking proper care of yourself will make a case of shingles much more tolerable. It is hard to imagine, but by avoiding small things such as scratching your rash, you can significantly reduce many of the unpleasant elements that accompany a case of shingles.

Shingles can be a very debilitating disease and needs to be caught early to avoid further damage to ones skin and body. If you are showing any of the symptoms of the disease you should consult a doctor immediately as you may require urgent medical care and treatment.