Herpes zoster or commonly referred to as shingles is basically the recurrence of a previous infection with the varicella zoster virus. During the initial contraction of the virus, it will cause chickenpox. While the individual recovers from chickenpox, the virus is not eliminated from the body but becomes sedentary in the nerves. The condition occurs once the virus is resuscitated. Herpes zoster has a preeruptive phase that occurs before the rash manifests and an eruptive phase with blistering skin lesions. The initial symptoms of herpes zoster can occur during the preeruptive phase of the illness.
Fever and chills
Fever is usually the initial symptom of herpes zoster and chills can also occur. Take note that these symptoms usually start before the rash manifests and frequently lasts throughout the condition.
Headache and fatigue
It most cases, headache can also occur during the preeruptive stage of herpes zoster. There is a general sense of feeling ill and unexplained fatigue. Take note that the preeruptive stage of the condition usually lasts for 2-4 days beforehand the manifestations of the initial skin lesions of the condition manifest. The headache can be managed with several measures that you can easily learn by enrolling in a first aid class today.
Nausea and diarrhea
Nausea can also manifest as an initial indication of herpes zoster. In some individuals, they experience queasiness instead of an outright nausea. In some, mild diarrhea can also occur. Since the symptoms can occur before the rash on the skin develops, it can be mistaken as stomach flu.
When the individual is suffering from persistent diarrhea, it is important to provide the appropriate measures since the condition can eventually lead to dehydration.
Red skin spot
Once the condition progresses from the preeruptive to the eruptive stage, the flattened red spots can appear in the affected area. Take note that these spots can develop into elevated bumps marking the start of the eruptive phase of the illness. There are some cases of herpes zoster that do not progress to the eruptive phase, meaning that the rash never occurs.
Abnormal skin sensations
The trademark symptom of herpes zoster is the presence of abnormal skin sensations situated in a specific part on one side of the body. The individual will feel tingling, itching, burning or pain. These sensations can vary in intensity from mild to severe and can occur along a band of skin usually starting on one side of the back and extends around the waist. Alternatively, the sensations can also occur on one side of the face including the skin surrounding the eye and the forehead. In case the face is involved, the eye on the affected side can end up irritated and red in color.
By being familiar with the early indications of herpes zoster, early treatment can be started to prevent the condition from worsening.