In my previous articles, I discussed some of the earliest stages of shingles, or what is commonly referred to as the bumpy rash. In these instances, there is not a clear cut diagnosis for shingles. The first stages of shingles appear like benign zits or pimples that develop on the face, neck, and other covered areas. The outbreaks tend to occur in cycles that last for several weeks. Some of the common symptoms associated with early stages of shingles include:
The virus that causes shingles, known as varicella zoster virus (VZV), often causes a variety of different pain problems. The pain experienced from shingles usually occurs in the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. If the virus invades this area, it will cause severe pain, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.
The pain associated with shingles often recurs between weeks four and seven. This is typically called the shingles rolling stage. By this point, the blisters are filled with liquid and may begin to crust over. The pain usually subsides within a few days, although in some cases, the pain can persist for several weeks.
During the early stages of shingles, there will be no symptoms associated with the virus. However, because the virus invades the top layers of the skin, the area can become very painful when touched, squeezed, or hit. The blisters tend to become red, raised, and itchy. They may also be tender to the touch. If the virus invades the brain, it can result in mental difficulties, severe headaches, and even seizures.
How does this look during the later stages of the illness? In the advanced stages, there will be more pain. Severe pain will occur when touching areas that have already been infected by the virus. The blisters themselves can become irritated and inflamed when new viruses enter the body, and the symptoms associated with these viruses tend to intensify as they become older. This is why people suffering from shingles tend to develop severe pain whenever they are touched.
Another symptom associated with shingles is itching. At first, the itching will be mild, but it can become severe over time. The constant itching can interfere with daily tasks and can even cause people to lose their appetite. When someone experiences this symptom, it means the virus has invaded the top layers of the skin. When looking at how does early stages of shingles looks like, you might not immediately see any redness, but the possibility of a blister developing somewhere on the skin is likely.
The blisters themselves may not appear to be painful at first, but if you leave them untreated, they can quickly begin to burn and crust over. Scaling or bleeding may also occur. These things can result in open sores that may be difficult to heal. They can also lead to scars and other types of problems. When a virus invades the outer layers of the skin, this provides a perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to begin developing.
If the virus invades the top layer of the skin, the first stages of shingles appear similar to a rash. However, if the virus invades deeper into the tissue, the pain will become increasingly severe. This is why looking at how does early stages of shingles look like? is so important for those who are experiencing this painful condition. They should look to find a way to get pain relief while the symptoms are still contained.
The second stage is a red bumpy lesion that can look like a blister but isn’t one. This lesion will have the same characteristics as a blister, however it doesn’t crack or open. This stage of the condition will last between two and eight weeks. Some people experience mild to moderate discomfort during this time, while others may suffer from severe pain.
The third and final stage is a full-blown outbreak of the virus. At this point, the rash that had formed has swelled and is now filled with pus and fluids. This stage can last up to ten weeks or more depending on the severity of the outbreak. Some people will only suffer from a few patches during this time, while others will have large outbreaks that cause pain, itching and other discomfort. It is possible to recover from shingles without the need for pain medication, but the faster you start healing, the better off you will be.
While all three of these stages are incredibly painful and uncomfortable, they do not last long compared to the first two. During the first two stages of shingles, you can expect the virus to stay dormant in your body, waiting for a suitable host to pass the infection onto. However, once you do pass the virus onto another person, you are then considered to have contracted shingles. The third and final stage of the disease occurs between eight and ten weeks after you contract the virus and will result in an outbreak of the rashes and associated pain.