Can shingles spread internally?

Can shingles spread internally?

Shingles is a viral nerve infection that causes a painful rash and blistering on the skin. In some cases, the infection can spread to internal organs and can sometimes appear without a rash. Doctors refer to this as internal shingles.

Can shingles hurt internally?

Internal shingles can cause symptoms such as persistent pain, fever, cough, abdominal pain, and headache. When shingles affects internal organs, it’s a serious complication that requires urgent medical attention.

Can you get shingles on one part of your body?

The shingles rash generally affects only one side of the body, and typically forms a band across the skin. Shingles most commonly affects the torso or chest. But it can develop just about anywhere, like on your arms, head or face.

Can shingles be in multiple areas?

You can have more than one episode. If you get shingles again, you usually don’t get the rash in the same place.

Is there a blood test for internal shingles?

Shingles without a rash is difficult to diagnose based on your symptoms alone. Your doctor may test your blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or saliva to identify the presence of VZV antibodies. This will allow them to confirm a diagnosis of shingles without a rash. However, these tests are often inconclusive.

Can shingles cause upset stomach?

The first symptoms of shingles are unusual skin sensations. These include pain, itching and tingling. Other symptoms include confusion, fatigue, fever, headache, memory loss, an upset stomach and stomach pain. These symptoms generally occur one to five days before a painful rash appears on one side of the body or face.

How long does internal shingles last?

Most cases of shingles last three to five weeks. Shingles follows a pattern: The first sign is often burning or tingling pain; sometimes, it includes numbness or itching on one side of the body. Somewhere between one and five days after the tingling or burning feeling on the skin, a red rash will appear.

Do you feel sick when you have shingles?

Most people have some of the following shingles symptoms: Burning, tingling, or numbness of the skin. Feeling sick—chills, fever, upset stomach, or headache.

Can shingles cause flu like symptoms?

Early symptoms of shingles include headache, sensitivity to light, and flu-like symptoms without a fever. You may then feel itching, tingling, or pain where a band, strip, or small area of rash may appear several days or weeks later.