Shingles Without a Rash: Causes, Symptoms & What to Do

Shingles is an infection caused by varicella zoster, the same virus that causes chicken pox. Although most individuals with the disorder develop a rash, others experience pain without any rash development.

The Facts

• According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, shingles is a secondary development of varicella zoster infection that arises years after a bout of chicken pox. It most typically occurs in individuals who had chicken pox before age 1, are over 60, or have a weakened immune system.

Shingles Pain

• Typically, the main symptom of shingles is burning or tingling pain that appears in a small area on one side of the body. Some individuals also experience numbness in the affected area.

Shingles Rash

• In most cases, individuals with shingles experience a red rash with fluid-filled blisters several days after symptoms begin. However, some people never develop a rash.

Additional Symptoms

• Additional symptoms of shingles may include itching, fatigue, fever, chills and headache.

Considerations

• When shingles pain occurs in certain areas, it can mimic the symptoms of kidney, lung or heart problems.