Shingles is a problematic condition characterized by the appearance of a painful skin rash. This condition is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Relief from this infection can be obtained only when proper shingles diagnosis is done and this is followed with effective treatment. In the initial stages this condition may be mistaken for some other illness because the symptoms tend to be rather vague.

In the initial stages the individual may experience fever, nausea along with headache and chills. This may be accompanied with numbness on one area of the face or body. Those suffering from shingles also tend to experience a tingling or burning sensation along with shooting pain on one area of the face or body. These symptoms are identified by physicians to make a possible shingles diagnosis.

After the initial tingling and shooting pain the person may also experience itching on one part or side of the face or body. This is followed by eruption of red bumps in the site where the itching, pain and numbness are experienced. Following this blisters are observed in clusters and these blisters fill with a clear fluid. Fresh blisters continue erupting for around 5 days and the band formation or belt formation of these blisters help in making a shingles diagnosis.

Normally the shingles blisters are observed on one side of the body, buttocks, leg, arm and waistline. In around 14 days these blisters fill with fluid and then scab over. Once crusts are formed the blisters no longer have the virus and the condition is not contagious anymore. The rash tends to heal and go away in around 3 to 5 weeks and the blisters may not leave any scars. However in some cases discoloration of skin may be observed.

The distribution of the lesions on the body can help the doctor in making a shingles diagnosis. Additionally the diagnosis may also be done through scraping of the blisters or taking a swab of the lesions and analyzing these in a laboratory. The treatment for this condition is started as soon as a definitive diagnosis is obtained.

The treatment after shingles diagnosis is meant to reduce the duration of the condition and to speed up the healing process of the lesions. The treatment also helps in relieving any discomfort and can also reduce the possibility of postherpetic neuralgia. The treatment for this condition includes oral antiviral drugs.

The antiviral drugs are also accompanied by some pain relief medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. The antiviral drugs that are prescribed include famciclovir, acyclovir and valacyclovir. In addition following the shingles diagnosis those having blisters can keep cool compresses over the blisters to get some relief. It is also advisable to cover the lesions with loose fitting gauze or a clean cloth. Scratching or touching of the blisters should be avoided.

The shingles diagnosis is done not only through a physical examination and study of symptoms but also by taking the medical history of the person. In some cases people don’t get the rash associated with this condition but tend to experience painful, burning and itching sensation on the skin. In the absence of rash the diagnosis may be difficult but for this a blood test may be done.