Think you may have Shingles? Check your symptoms now.
It's not easy to tell if you have Shingles before the actual outbreak of the rash. Many of the symptoms some people feel before the rash (itching, burning, pain) can often resemble other diseases and conditions, including a bad sunburn and/or an allergic reaction. But this tool can help you learn more about the symptoms of Shingles and what you can do about them. If you think you have Shingles, see your health care professional as soon as you can.
You could feel an itch in any of these areas. Typically, you will feel it in one of these places, wherever the rash is.
Before Shingles Rash
Itching, Pain, Burning, Tingling
Description:
A few days before the Shingles rash appears, some people may first experience itching, pain, burning, or a tingling sensation on part of your skin. The pain may fall into any of these categories.
Duration:
2-3 days
Location:
Because the Shingles virus travels through the nerves, you will usually experience 1 or more of these symptoms in 1 localized area of the body, where one of the nerves from the spinal cord connects with the skin. Most often, these symptoms are felt on the torso, but you may feel them anywhere. When the rash appears, it will be in the same place where you felt the initial sensation.
What you can do:
Talking to your health care professional at this stage is key. While there is no cure for Shingles, antiviral medications may help reduce the severity of Shingles, and the chance of complications, if prescribed by your health care professional within the first 72 hours.
