Early symptoms of shingles

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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The prodromal symptoms of shingles primarily refer to mild fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and general discomfort that occur before the rash appears. There is also a burning sensation and pain in the affected skin area, which feels significantly sensitive to touch. Generally, these symptoms can last from 1 to 5 days, but some people may not exhibit any prodromal symptoms and develop the rash directly.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How is herpes zoster diagnosed?

The diagnosis of herpes zoster is primarily based on clinical symptoms. First, the skin lesions appear as clusters of vesicles, which are distributed in a band-like pattern along one side of peripheral nerves. Second, there is significant neuralgia accompanied by swelling of the local lymph nodes. Third, the skin in the middle is normal. If these three clinical symptoms are present, it can generally be confirmed as herpes zoster.

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Written by Cui Lin Jing
Dermatology
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What department should I go to for shingles?

Herpes zoster should be treated in dermatology, and patients should visit the dermatology department. Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is an acute vesicular skin disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is particularly common in the spring and autumn seasons. It mostly affects adults and is even more prevalent among the elderly. Before the rash appears, there may be varying degrees of prodromal symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Neuralgia is a characteristic of the disease, and pain can occur before or after the eruption of the rash. The rash follows the distribution of cutaneous nerves, with the most common areas being the intercostal nerves, cervical nerves, trigeminal nerves, and sacral nerves. The rash is usually unilateral and does not typically cross the midline of the body. The duration of herpes zoster is about two to four weeks for recovery, and generally, it does not recur after healing. However, some elderly and frail patients may suffer from chronic pain as a sequelae, so timely medical consultation is important.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does shingles recur?

Shingles, this skin disease is recurrent. Not only is it contagious, but it also has a propensity to recur. The likelihood of recurrence is greatly influenced by one's own resistance and also greatly related to the people one comes into contact with. Therefore, after recovering from shingles, it is essential to avoid further contact with other shingles patients or those with chickenpox. One should balance work and rest, drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, and enhance personal immunity. If shingles recurs, it is crucial to seek timely treatment at a reputable hospital.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can I eat chicken with herpes zoster?

People with shingles can eat chicken. Shingles is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, often occurring in patients with low immunity. The onset of shingles is not directly related to diet. After contracting shingles, it is recommended to rest and eat protein-rich foods such as chicken to enhance the body's resistance, which is beneficial for the recovery of the disease. This provides the necessary nutrients to complement the medical treatment of shingles.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Shingles is what disease?

Shingles is primarily caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which enters the human bloodstream through the respiratory tract mucosa, leading to chickenpox or a latent infection. The virus then lies dormant in the nerve ganglia of the body. Certain triggers, such as trauma, fatigue, weakness after illness, malignant tumors, or the use of immunosuppressants, can decrease the body's resistance and activate the dormant virus, resulting in shingles.