There are different types of shingles. The symptoms are based on the nerve paths they follow. This article will discuss each type of shingles and the nerve path that each one follows. A rash typically develops along one side of the body, but the rash may also be on the face or on the scalp. It may even be located near an ear or eye. If you develop shingles on one side of your body, you may experience headaches, weakness and drooping of the face.
Shingles may be the result of a weakened immune system. As the virus resides in the nerve tissues, it reawakens after a long time. Stress, prolonged illness, and other factors can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing the disease. In addition to these factors, the shingles virus is often triggered by a skin injury. Psychological stress is also a known trigger for shingles.
A rash associated with shingles is a sign of the infection. The skin changes associated with shingles include a belt-like pattern and small blisters called vesicles. Acute herpetic neuralgia is the most common type of pain associated with shingles and lasts for about one month. Subacute herpetic neuralgia occurs from one month to four months after the rash has resolved. Postherpetic neuralgia lasts 4 months or longer and is characterized by localized pain that persists even after the rash has healed.