Shingles is a common health condition that many people get as they age. Many physicians recommend that older adults get vaccinated against shingles, as this can be a simple way to avoid having to deal with this condition. If you haven't been vaccinated and have begun to see a few signs that make you think you have shingles, you'll want to promptly schedule an appointment to see your family doctor. They'll take a look at the affected areas of your body to confirm or deny the presence of shingles, and then offer various forms of treatment based on the condition's severity. Here are some indicators of shingles.

Skin Redness 

People can develop red areas on their skin for various reasons, but the redness that occurs when you have shingles will often stand out. This will likely be a level of redness that you haven't experienced in the past, which is one of the easiest indicators that shingles may be present. The redness can appear in many different areas of your body and vary in size based on the severity of the condition. For many people, it's possible to have red patches in multiple regions at the same time.

Skin Irritation

Unfortunately, the redness that becomes apparent on your skin isn't the only symptom that you'll experience when you have shingles. You'll also have some degree of skin irritation. The feeling that you experience can vary. Some people develop a lot of itchiness in the affected areas. In some cases, the itching could be worse than anything you've experienced in the past. It's always best to avoid scratching yourself, as doing so will worsen the feeling and may even cause the areas to become infected. Beyond itching, you might also feel a burning sensation in your skin.

Fever

As your body contends with this virus, it will often develop a fever. Your body can give several warning signs that you have a fever, including sweating, a headache, and an overall chilly feeling. Test your temperature with a thermometer to determine if you indeed have a fever. If you have the above skin issues and also have developed a fever, there's a very good chance that you have shingles. While you don't need to go to the emergency room or seek urgent care unless your symptoms are extremely severe, you should try to see your doctor as soon as possible. The treatment options that your doctor provides will dramatically improve your symptoms.

Speak to your doctor to find out more.