It’s a painful struggle that can appear ‘anywhere on your body’ and leaves you feeling uncomfortable for ‘weeks’
A painful problem that can strike at any time lurks inside most of our bodies. In some cases, people may suffer from it for as long as a month.
Shingles is an infection that often leads to an irritable rash forming anywhere on the body. It may start as a tingling or painful feeling that could also be paired with a headache.
The NHS website claims that, in rare cases, shingles can cause pain without a rash. But, in most instances, you’ll notice the rash within a few days of the early symptoms. Other symptoms of shingles include a feeling of being generally unwell, a high temperature (fever), enlarged lymph nodes chills, sensitivity to light and an upset stomach.
Dr Ahmed, a GP based in the UK, shared on TikTok (@Dra_says) that the virus doesn’t discriminate. Whilst it’s often seen in older patients, he said: “I’m seeing more younger people [with it] as well].”
He explained how the same virus that causes chickenpox “lays dormant in the nervous system” and can be triggered to “reactivate” as shingles. Whilst age is a common factor, the doctor also said that it’s a “weakened immune system” can kick start this virus off. You can reduce your risk of developing shingles by getting the shingles vaccine.
Typical triggers include stress, certain medical conditions, or treatments like chemotherapy. You can spread the shingles virus to others while you have blisters and it can take “up to four weeks” for a shingles rash to heal, according to the NHS.
So, in that time, it is advised to avoid work/school and to stay away from certain people. These include pregnant people, babies and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Shingles can persist for several weeks to months, but it typically resolves within three to five weeks. While there isn’t a quick fix, antiviral medications can provide some relief.
People suffering from shingles are advised to wear loose clothing and keep the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Doctors will also allow you to take paracetamol for the pain and recommend applying a cool compress “a few times a day”.
Most people recover from shingles without any problems. If you are concerned about catching, or that you may have, shingles then please speak to your GP as soon as possible.
For certain groups, there is a shingles vaccine available on the NHS. It is typically for older people or those most at risk with weakened immune systems.
