Shingles: How Long wil it Last?

Posted April 27th, 2004 by jack

Shingles

The visible symptoms of shingles usually lasts about 2 weeks.
The full period including when general illness or skin soreness are
the only symptoms usually lasts about a month. However, some
patients may develop Post-Herpetic Neuralgia which is the most
serious complication of shingles. Post-Herpetic Neuralgia can last
for months or years and can be very painful.

Common Symptoms of Shingles

The symptoms of shingles are a rash that turns into blisters
which turn into a dry scab. This can be seen all over the body and
is usually accompanied by general illness; fever, headaches and
tiredness.

Treatment and Preventative Care Options for Shingles

There is no cure for shingles. Shingles is caused by the virus
Varicella Herpes Zoster (VZV) which caused chickenpox in childhood.
VZV will remain latent in the body after
chickenpox and will reactivate and cause shingles in 1 in 5 seniors.
It is not known why some people get shingles and others don't or
why it mostly affects seniors. A low immune defense system does
appear to be a factor.

Although there is no cure for shingles, there is a treatment which
is usually prescribed, an antiviral agent such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir
or Famciclovir. This will reduce the risk of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia as
well as reduce the duration and severity of shingles.

You can relieve the symptoms of shingles various ways:

Take lukewarm baths
Use soothing lotions (aloe vera or similar)
Wear loose cotton clothing
Use a local anesthetic cream
Take pain killers
Take fever reducing medication

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Comments

duration

On July 23rd, 2004 Anonymous says:

How long should I wait before excercising (walking) outside,will I start itching if I get too warm, this is very painful,I'm so surprised that they could hurt this much,this is 6th day and not been sick (vomit) today,could this be passing somewhat? I do feel as if I have been in a serious fight or run over by large animal or given birth to a large child.. Is this all normal,when should I see Dr. again?

Shingles And Exercise

On July 24th, 2004 iv says:

Hi,

Try it! If walking makes you feel uncomfortable, you should obviously stop, but it might be nice for you to get a bit of fresh air.

Yes, shingles can be very painful and long lasting. Has your doctor prescribed any medication? Antiviral medicine can shorten the duration and severity of shingles, but it works best if you start taking it immediately after the first symptoms of shingles.

I think you should see your doctor again now or at least ring him or her as you obviously have a lot of questions.

I hope you get better soon.

Regards,

purplish marks and sensitivity

On August 9th, 2004 Anonymous says:

My shingles started 6 weeks ago. Even though I feel much better, there are 3 spots that are purplish/redish and at times the skins is overly sensitive. How long should these marks and sesitivities last?

Shingles Rash

On August 10th, 2004 iv says:

Hi,

You should see a doctor immediately about the 3 spots as there is a chance that they are the first symptoms of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, a condition that may follow shingles.

Are you taking any antiviral medication? If started from the very beginning of shingles, antiviral medication may help reduce the severity of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia. Read more about shingles and Post-Herpetic Neuralgia here.

Best regards,

What is the difference between Shingles and Genital Herpes?

On April 13th, 2005 Anonymous says:

I have a small group of blisters on my abdomon about two inches below my navel. The blisters look as if it could be genital herpes but it also looks identical to photos of sores from the shingles. I haven't engaged in any risky activities to think I may have contacted genital herpes.

About one week ago, I started having a tingling pain in my lower back. I thought the pain was like a kidney infection or something like that. But the blisters are on my lower belly.

What do you think?

SHINGLES

On November 14th, 2005 keron68 says:

my dad who is now 67yrs old has been told he has shingles. I have a 18yrs old pregnant daughter what is the risk to her and unborn baby if they come into contact with the shingle virus. and is it true that you can not catch shingles.
My father has been was given an antiviral medicine by GP on same day as blister came so will that make the virus go quicker

Herpes Doctor