Itching
Before the rash from the onset of shingles occurs, a person will usually experience itching and other symptoms like tingling or pain in the area where the rash will appear. The itchiness may happen several days before the appearance of the rash. Some people may feel prickling pain and localized burning several days or weeks before the shingles rash occurs.
In healthy people, the shingles blisters will not leave scars. Moreover, the itching and the pain will diminish after a few weeks. But for some people, it could take a few months. In some cases, the shingle blisters might not heal properly, particularly if the person has a weakened immune system. Other people retain the symptoms after the shingles heal, developing chronic itch in the area covered by the rash. In severe cases of the shingles rash, the itching and pain can cause depression, weight loss, or insomnia.
The shingles complication doctors call postherpetic neuralgia is a pain that goes on and off, which people describe as akin to an electric shock.
Sadly, postherpetic neuralgia can last for three months before disappearing, but it depends on the person’s state of health. It could occur for 12 months, and in rare cases, it could be permanent.
