Do Shingles Look Like Pimples

Can You Diagnose Shingles Before The Rash Appears

The first symptoms of shingles Early symptoms of shingles can appear several days before the more obvious symptoms. However, some people will not have early symptoms before a rash appears. The most common early symptoms occur on one part of the body or face. This often happens in the abdominal area.

When Should I Get The Shingles Vaccine

The current shingles vaccine is a safe, easy, and more effective way to prevent shingles than the previous vaccine. In fact, it is over 90% effective at preventing shingles. Most adults age 50 and older should get vaccinated with the shingles vaccine, which is given in two doses. You can get the shingles vaccine at your doctors office and at some pharmacies.

You should get the shingles vaccine if you:

• Have already had chickenpox, the chickenpox vaccine, or shingles
• Received the prior shingles vaccine called Zostavax
• Dont remember having had chickenpox

Medicare Part D and private health insurance plans may cover some or all of the cost. Check with Medicare or your health plan to find out if it is covered.

You should not get vaccinated if you:

• Currently have shingles
• Are sick or have a fever
• Had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the shingles vaccine

If you are unsure about the above criteria or have other health concerns, talk with your doctor before getting the vaccine.

How Is Shingles Diagnosed And Treated

If you think you might have shingles, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Its important to see your doctor no later than three days after the rash starts. The doctor will confirm whether you have shingles and can make a treatment plan. Most cases can be diagnosed from a visual examination. If you have a condition that weakens the immune system, your doctor may order a shingles test. Although there is no cure for shingles, early treatment with antiviral medications can help the blisters clear up faster and limit severe pain. Shingles can often be treated at home.

Also Check: What Do Shingles Look Like On Your Skin

What You Need To Know About Dermatitis

Dermatitis is the medical name for skin inflammation . While its not contagious, dermatitis can develop when an irritant comes in contact with your skin. More specifically, this is called irritant contact dermatitis. Common culprits include plants, dyes, soaps, and cleaning products. Even new facial products can cause irritant contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis is your bodys immune response to an allergenits an allergic reaction. Its less common than irritant dermatitis, and it can hours or days before a rash appears after coming into contact with whatever the allergen happens to be.¹ Fragrances, metals in jewelry , and certain skincare products are all common allergens.

Another common type of skin rash is perioral dermatitis, which is a rash around facial orifices, like the mouth, nose, and eyes.

Dont Miss: What Does Shingles Look Like On The Scalp

If You Do Develop Shingles Keep Your Distance While Contagious

If you have shingles, you cant directly pass the rash to someone else, but you can pass VZV to anyone who hasnt had chickenpox. While the infected person will then likely develop chickenpox, not shingles, theyll have VZV in their system for life. The blisters are contagious until they scab over, so if you develop shingles, its best to keep your distance from children, pregnant women, or anyone with a weak immune system because these groups are at increased risk of complications from the virus.

You May Like: What Foods Should You Avoid If You Have Shingles

Key Points About Shingles

• Shingles is a common viral infection of the nerves. It causes a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin.
• Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated.
• It is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.
• Shingles starts with skin sensitivity, tingling, itching, and/or pain followed by rash that looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters.
• The rash is typically affects just one area on one side of the body or face.
• Treatment that is started as soon as possible helps reduce the severity of the disease.

How Is Shingles Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will do a complete physical exam and ask about your medical history, specifically about whether you have ever had chickenpox.

Your healthcare provider will likely know right away that it is shingles based on the unique rash. The rash usually appears one area on one side of the body or face. It appears as red spots, small fluid- or pus-filled vesicles, or scabs.

The healthcare provider may also take skin scrapings for testing.

Don’t Miss: How To Care For Shingles Blisters

Can Shingles Come Back

Given that shingles results from the varicella zoster virus reactivating some amount of time after having chickenpox, you may be wondering if the virus canre-reactivate after having shingles.

Once shingles clears up, the virus simply goes back into hiding and, unfortunately, it can reactivate again in the future, says Dr. Brown. As far as the likelihood of shingles reoccurring, thats still largely up for debate. One study found that the chance of getting shingles a second time is about 5%, but other studies show this number to be lower.

One way to reduce your risk of getting shingles twice is the same preventive measure that helps prevent you from ever getting it in the first place: the shingles vaccine.

Theres A Simple Way To Prevent Shingles

The good news is, the FDA has approved a vaccine called Zostavax for adults 50 and older that can help reduce the risk of developing shingles. Its not intended as a treatment and it contains live virus, so it shouldnt be given to anyone with a weakened immune system. Its also not a 100 percent guarantee against shingles, but its likely to reduce the severity and risk of some complications.

And while its now a routine childhood immunization, adults who have never had chickenpox are also advised to get the chickenpox vaccine . Its not guaranteed to prevent shingles, but according to the CDC, a double dose is about 90 percent effective at preventing chickenpox.

Also Check: How Long Dies Shingles Last

Ringworm Causes An Itchy Red Circular Rash

Ringworm is a skin infection that, despite its name, is caused by a fungus, whereas the shingles rash is caused by a virus, according to the CDC. Ringworm can cause a red, itchy, circular rash on your skin. It may also cause scaly, cracked skin and hair loss. The rash can appear on any part of your body, and it spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact or contact with an item contaminated with the fungus, like dirty clothes or a shower floor. Some forms of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter medication, while others must be treated with prescription antifungal medication.

Recommended Reading: What To Do About Shingles Pain

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Shingles

Often the first shingles symptoms happen in the area where the rash will appear. A person may have tingling, itching, or pain in this area. When the rash shows up, the pain may be mild or severe.

The rash starts as groups of tiny pimples on one side of the body or the face. It’s often in the shape of a band or belt. The pimples change to pus-filled blisters that break open and scab over in about 710 days. The scabs usually heal and fall off about 24 weeks after the rash starts.

Some kids with shingles also may have a fever and a headache, and might feel tired and achy. Rarely, a child has the pain of shingles without the rash. More severe symptoms can happen, but usually in people over age 50.

Also Check: How Long To Wait For Shingles Vaccine After Having Shingles

Are Shingles Contagious Yes Or No

If you had chickenpox when you were a child, you are at risk for shingles. Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus that caused your chickenpox re-emerges after lying dormant in your nerve cells from the time of your original illness. When this occurs, you are contagious, but you cant give someone shingles.

What Are The Symptoms Of Shingles Without A Rash

The symptoms of ZSH are similar to the symptoms of shingles, but without a rash. The symptoms are usually isolated to one side of the body and commonly occur on the face and neck, and in the eyes. Symptoms can also occur in the internal organs. Typical symptoms include:

• high stress levels

Shingles isnt contagious. You cant give someone else shingles. If you have shingles and are in contact with someone who hasnt had chickenpox or wasnt vaccinated for chickenpox, you can give that person chickenpox. That person would have to come in direct contact with your shingles rash.

If you have shingles without a rash, you shouldnt be able to pass it to others. Still, its a good idea to avoid contact with people who havent had chickenpox as well as pregnant women until your other symptoms have cleared up.

You can only get shingles if youve had chickenpox in the past. Youre at an increased risk for shingles if you:

• are over age 50

Dont Miss: How Long In Between Shingles Vaccines

Read Also: What Is The Start Of Shingles

What Is The Treatment For Shingles

You cant take medication to cure shingles. Instead, focus on shingles treatment to alleviate your symptoms. Youll need to see your doctor to confirm your diagnosis and receive a prescription. Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and Valacyclovir are prescription medications commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of shingles.

You May Like: What To Do For Shingles In The Eye

Skin Care And Itch Relief For Shingles

To relieve itching and discomfort, try:

• A cool, wet compresses on the affected skin
• Soothing baths and lotions, such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or calamine lotion
• Zostrix, a cream that contains capsaicin
• Antihistamines to reduce itching

Keep your skin clean. Throw away bandages you use to cover your skin sores. Throw away or wash in hot water clothing that has contact with your skin sores. Wash your sheets and towels in hot water.

While your skin sores are still open and oozing, avoid all contact with anyone who has never had chickenpox, especially pregnant women.

Also Check: How Many Bags Of Shingles Do I Need

Appearance Of The Shingles Rash

The eruptive stage of shingles begins a few days later. This is when a rash appears.

The skin in the area of the prodromal pain caused by shingles will often be sensitive to the touch and reddish in appearance. As these symptoms get worse, it may begin to feel like a sunburn.

Within three to five days of the initial pain, a few tiny pimple-like spots appear and quickly multiply into clusters, forming a rash that feels prickly to the touch.

From there, sometimes within hours, the pimples develop into water-filled blisters, or vesicles, that then consolidate into larger blisters. Often, redness and swelling accompany the rash.

The shingles rash looks very much like the chickenpox rash, with a key difference: Chickenpox blisters are widely scattered over the entire body. With shingles, the rash almost always occupies a finite strip of skin.

Ultimately, the pain of shingles may get so excruciating that simply grazing the skin with clothing can set off what feels like an electric shock.

Dont Hesitate To See Your Doctor For Just A Rash

You know your body best. If any symptom feels concerning enough that youre tempted to see a doctor, thats a sign that you probably should seek medical advice.

Plus, even if you go through all of the above questions, it can be tough to decode a rash on your own. Luckily, dermatologists are well-versed in rashes. Seeing one can get you one step closer to putting your rash behind you.

Related:

You May Like: Does Blue Cross Pay For Shingles Vaccine

Recommended Reading: Can You Get Shingles From The Shot

Who Should Be Vaccinated With Shingrix

The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for those 50 years of age and older who are in good health.

You should get the Shingrix vaccine even if:

• Youve had shingles already.
• Youve been previously vaccinated with Zostavax . If youve been vaccinated with Zostavax, wait at least eight weeks before getting vaccinated with Shingrix.
• You dont know for sure if youve ever had chickenpox.

Ask your healthcare provider, who knows your entire health history if getting this vaccine is right for you.

Can I Go To Work With Shingles

You can go to work if you have shingles and are no longer contagious. However, you may need to wait until youre feeling better. Shingles can be excruciating and debilitating.

Youre no longer contagious when the rash and blisters begin to scab over. This is typically 10 days after the rash first crops up.

You May Like: Weight Of Bundle Of Shingles

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated With Shingrix

You shouldnt receive the Shingrix vaccine if you:

• Have ever had a severe allergy to this vaccine or any ingredient in this vaccine.
• Are breastfeeding or pregnant.
• Are ill and have a high fever.
• Have tested negative for immunity to varicella-zoster virus .

Ask your healthcare provider if the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh any potential risks.

Read Also: Does The Shingles Vaccine Help With Herpes

How Is It Treated

It is best to start treatment as soon as possible after you notice the rash. See your healthcare provider to discuss treatment with antiviral medicine, such as acyclovir. This medicine is most effective if you start taking it within the first 3 days of the rash. Antiviral medicine may speed your recovery and lessen the chance that the pain will last for a long time.

Your provider may also recommend or prescribe:

• medicine for pain
• antibacterial salves or lotions to help prevent bacterial infection of the blisters
• corticosteroids

You May Like: What Does A Bad Case Of Shingles Look Like

Shingles Rash In The Eyes

Ophthalmic shingles, or herpes zoster ophthalmicus , is when the shingles rash is in and/or around the eye. It is a severe variant that affects 20% of people with the infection.

If you develop a shingles rash near your eye, contact your healthcare provider right away.

lauraag / Getty Images

HZO usually appears within two to four weeks after a shingles rash starts. People who have a compromised immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk for developing this.

All parts of the eye can be affected. For example:

• You can develop blisters around the eye that may cause the eyelids and surrounding area to swell.
• The corneaâthe transparent part over the front of the eyeâcan be affected, causing calcification .
• Blood vessels in the eye could become more pronounced blood flow to the eye could be impacted.

To reduce your risk of long-term eye complications, contact your healthcare provider right away if you have a shingles rash on your face.

What Is Shingles Common Symptoms

Shingles is an illness caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. It inflames sensory nerves and can result in severe pain. It causes localized pain, numbness, and itching, followed by the appearance of clustered blisters in a strip pattern on one side of the body. Sometimes the pain can persist for weeks, months, or years after the rash heals . The term shingles is derived from the Latin word cingulum, meaning girdle the idea being that the shingles rash often encircles the side of the body.

Read Also: Can Shingles Be Treated With Antibiotics

Who Should Not Get The Vaccine

Do not get the shingles vaccine if:

• You have a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to any ingredient of a vaccine or to a previous dose of Shingrix
• You have shingles now.

• You are sick with an illness and a fever of 101°F or higher.

• You should also consider delaying the vaccine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Not enough is known about its safety for expectant and lactating women.
• You have had a negative test for varicella this would be uncommon for adults eligible for the vaccine, as most adults worldwide ages 50 and older have been exposed to the virus. You do not have to be tested before getting the vaccine.

Other Complications Of Shingles

If the shingles rash appears around the eye or forehead, it can cause eye infections and temporary or permanent loss of vision. If the shingles virus attacks the ear, people may develop hearing or balance problems. In rare cases, the shingles virus may attack the brain or spinal cord. These complications can often be prevented by beginning treatment for shingles as soon as possible.

Don’t Miss: What Foods Not To Eat With Shingles

Psoriasis Forms Red Patches On The Skin

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is easy to confuse with the shingles rash. As with the shingles virus, psoriasis forms red patches on the skin, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. One type of psoriasis pustular can lead to the development of blisters. Areas of skin affected by psoriasis often develop into silvery scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Treatment can help control the condition.

Know How To Spot The Symptoms

Once fully expressed, the clinical characteristics of a classic case of shingles are so identifiable that often no lab test is needed to make the diagnosis, Secemsky says. The symptoms can occur anywhere, but usually affect one small section on one side of the body most often a single strip of blisters that wraps around the left or right side of the torso. The symptoms can also crop up on one side of the neck or face, or even around one eye, but are most common on the chest, back, and abdomen. Thats why its important to know what to look for:

• The first symptom is usually pain, burning, numbness, sensitivity or tingling. Depending on the location, it might even feel like a problem in the heart, lungs or kidneys.
• A red rash composed of painful blisters usually appears a few days after the initial pain hits.
• Some people may also develop fever, itching, headache, fatigue, sensitivity to light or an upset stomach.

You May Like: Best Pain Relief Cream For Shingles