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Shingles is a rash that can appear on your body on either the left or the right side. Symptoms include headache,sensitivity to light and flu-like symptoms without fever. It is caused from when the chickpox virus reactivates.

This rash is more painful than ichy. This rash may last up to 30 days. The rash forms blisters,scabs over and then clears up in a couple of weeks. The rash can be on the face around the eyes. Be sure to seek help because it could lead to blindness. This rash could appear anyplace on the body such as the face,arm,leg or back. Some people don't get a rash. Swelling of the lymph nodes may also occur.

Several days or weeks before the rash occurs the pain starts. When the virus reactivates it causes nerve root pain. This pain is said to feel like needles going through the skin. Pain can last for a long time months maybe even years. There could be tingling,burning and some iching.

See your doctor as soon as you possibly can if you think you have Shingles. Early treatment is vital for medications to work against the virus. Pain medication is often required.

Don't scratch because it could cause infection. Be sure to keep the area clean with soap and water and wear loose clothing. Avoid rubbing contact with people who have not had the chickenpox virus ,are sick or have a weak immune system. Try to wear loose clothing to lessen the pain. Cool water compresses applied for about 20 minutes help ease the pain and dry up the blisters. Stop the compresses after they have dried. They can become too dried. Putting vasoline ointment on also helps with the healing process.

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