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What Are the Phases of Shingles?

Shingles is a condition that affects both skin and nerves. It is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox. The condition appears in stages and generally goes away within a few weeks.

  1. Identification

    • Before an outbreak of shingles occurs, VZV is dormant (inactive) in nerves around the spinal cord or brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. This VZV is present because of previous infection with chickenpox, and the virus is never fully cleared from the system.

    Effects

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that, in most cases, the first symptom of shingles is pain in the area where the rash will eventually appear. Both the pain and the rash are limited to one side of the body and may occur on the torso but also on the head and face.

    Types

    • After the pain of shingles begins, a red rash that blisters occurs. The Mayo Clinic reports that some people never develop shingles rash (a condition known as zoster sine herpete), but this is rare.

    Impact

    • After the blisters appear, they release their fluid and form a crust. This is the beginning of healing from a shingles outbreak.

    Complications

    • Some people who develop shingles go on to develop a chronic pain condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This occurs after the rash has gone away, and the pain can be both severe and long-lasting, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Considerations

    • People who believe they have shingles should seek prompt medical attention. This is because the antiviral medications used to treat the condition are most effective if begun within three days after symptoms appear, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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