Shingles

Although not every person with shingles (herpes-zoster) will experience all of the common symtoms of shingles, especially the initial ones, all people with this virus will endure some of the symptoms of shingles. It is also important to note that not everyone will experience the symptoms to the same degree. While some will have a severe case of shingles, others, especially children, will often experience a very mild outbreak of the virus.

Pediatric Shingles and Common Symptoms

It is fairly uncommon for a child to have a shingles outbreak. This virus is typically reserved for adults over the age of 50, but anyone who has already had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine is able to experience the symtoms of shingles.

Usually the varicella virus lies dormant in the body in clusters of nerve cells near the brain and/or spinal cord. For some unknown reason, the virus can become active again and causes shingles. Although the varicella virus typically lies dormant for many years, in some cases, it appears only a short time after the initial outbreak of chickenpox or from when the child received the chickenpox vaccination. However, pediatric shingles is usually found in children over the age of 3 years.

Unlike adults, children with shingles do not tend to have a fever, headache, or upset stomach. They usually feel fine and the rash, similar to hives, is the only indication that they have shingles at all. It is also typical for pediatric patients to have symptoms of shingles that are much milder than adult shingles. Children usually do not experience the pain and itching associated with the adult form of the virus.

Adult Shingles and Common Symptoms

Initially, many adults have symptoms of shingles that are similar to that of other illnesses, and it is sometimes misdiagnosed because of that. However, once the telltale rash occurs, it is fairly easy to identify.

At the onset of shingles, it is common for people to have chills or a fever. Some people also get an upset stomach. Other common symptoms of shingles are itching, tingling, or burning under the skin. These symptoms usually last for a few days before moving on to the next stage of the virus.

A rash will soon appear that looks like little groups of chickenpox. The bumps will be isolated to one side of the body and will run along a nerve path. Most people get the rash on their back, chest, or abdomen, but it is also fairly common to have hives on the face or neck.

The blisters will appear throughout 3 to 5 days and will begin to crust over after about a week. Before they crust is the only time they are contagious.

Unfortunately, many adults with the virus also experience pain. This is one of the symtoms of shingles that people endure in a wide range of degrees. Some adults describe the pain as annoying or uncomfortable while others feel it is unbearable and debilitating.

Typically shingles runs it course in about 3 to 5 weeks. However, some people, usually adults, deal with the pain for several weeks beyond the initial five. Although not as common, some adults continue to endure some degree of pain for several months or even years.

Shingles |