The timeline of these events are relatively consistent.
Shingles often starts with a tingling or burning sensation one to five days before the actual rash appears.
It can take two or more weeks for the scabs to clear up.
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All told, the duration of a shingles outbreak may be up to five weeks.
A common symptom of shingles is calledparesthesia, which is an abnormal tingling or a pins and needles sensation.
Burning Sensation
The discomfort triggered by shingles has been described in a variety of different ways.
Some people report shooting pain, tingling, or itching; others feel a stinging or burning sensation.
When you first notice the rash, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Rarely, a person with shingles has pain without an eruption of blisters.
This is because shingles is resulting from the same virus (called the varicella-zoster virus) that causes chickenpox.
Until the blisters are completely crusted over and healed, the virus can easily be transmitted.
The process of complete healing of the rash can take up to a month.
In some instances, there can be scarring left behind (once the rash has healed).
Initially, the scars are dark red, but they usually fade in time.
The rash may appear one to five days after initial symptoms of skin sensitivity, itching, or pain.
It may have some similarities to other rashes.
However, your doctor will likely spot the difference right away.
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National Institute on Aging.Shingles.
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Cleveland Clinic.Burning, lingering pain after shingles?
5 options may help you.
Bond G, Panesar P.Case-based learning: shingles.The Pharmaceutical Journal.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About shingles (herpes zoster).
