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Can You Have Shingles With Pain But No Rash?

Shingles is an infection caused by varicella zoster, the same virus that causes chicken pox. Although most individuals with the disorder develop a rash, others experience pain without any rash development.

  1. The Facts

    • According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, shingles is a secondary development of varicella zoster infection that arises years after a bout of chicken pox. It most typically occurs in individuals who had chicken pox before age 1, are over 60, or have a weakened immune system.

    Shingles Pain

    • Typically, the main symptom of shingles is burning or tingling pain that appears in a small area on one side of the body. Some individuals also experience numbness in the affected area.

    Shingles Rash

    • In most cases, individuals with shingles experience a red rash with fluid-filled blisters several days after symptoms begin. However, some people never develop a rash.

    Additional Symptoms

    • Additional symptoms of shingles may include itching, fatigue, fever, chills and headache.

    Considerations

    • When shingles pain occurs in certain areas, it can mimic the symptoms of kidney, lung or heart problems.

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