Can you get shingles on your neck?
Most commonly, the shingles rash develops as a stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of your torso. Sometimes the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face.
How do I know if I have shingles on my neck?
The early signs of shingles are typically sensations of itching, numbness or a burning pain on the skin of the face, chest or back; in most cases this develops into the condition’s characteristic rash. The rash develops into blisters on one side of the body, most commonly in one the following areas: Neck. Torso.
What does the beginning of shingles rash look like?
First symptoms You may begin to notice pink or red blotchy patches on one side of your body. These patches cluster along nerve pathways. Some people report feeling shooting pains in the area of the rash. During this initial stage, shingles is not contagious.
What rash can be mistaken for shingles?
Eczema is a rash that occurs when the skin has an exaggerated inflammatory response to an irritant. Eczema can result in red, dry, and extremely itchy patches on the skin. In some people, eczema will cause oozing bumps, a condition that could be mistaken for the shingles rash.
Does shingles cause a stiff neck?
You develop worsening pain or fever. You develop a severe headache, stiff neck, hearing loss, or changes in your ability to think. The blisters show signs of bacterial infection, such as increasing pain or redness, or milky yellow drainage from the blister sites.
Can shingles cause head and neck pain?
Many people are left with an itchy area from their shingles, which can be as disabling as chronic pain. It is most common on the head or neck. Damage to vision and hearing. Pain and rash near an eye can cause permanent eye damage and requires an urgent ophthalmological exam.
Can shingles cause neck stiffness?
Call your healthcare provider right away if: You develop worsening pain or fever. You develop a severe headache, stiff neck, hearing loss, or changes in your ability to think. The blisters show signs of bacterial infection, such as increasing pain or redness, or milky yellow drainage from the blister sites.
Do I need to see a doctor with shingles?
Shingles is not usually serious, but you should see your GP as soon as possible if you recognise the symptoms. Early treatment may help reduce the severity of your symptoms and the risk of developing complications.
How do you confirm shingles?
Shingles is usually diagnosed based on the history of pain on one side of your body, along with the telltale rash and blisters. Your doctor may also take a tissue scraping or culture of the blisters for examination in the laboratory.