Dr. Arthur Anthony Dinapoli, MD

What are the symptoms of shingles without a rash? The symptoms of ZSH are similar to the symptoms of shingles, but without a rash. The symptoms are usually isolated to one side of the body and commonly occur on the face and neck, and in the eyes. Symptoms can also occur in the internal organs. Typical symptoms include: a painful burning sensation itchiness a feeling of numbness a headache fatigue a general achy feeling pain that radiates from the spine sensitivity to touch What causes shingles without a rash? No one fully understands why VZV reactivates as shingles in some people. Shingles often occurs in people with compromised immune systems. Your immune system may become compromised because of: chemotherapy or radiation for cancer HIV AIDS high doses of corticoid steroids an organ transplant high stress levels Shingles isn’t contagious. You can’t give someone else shingles. If you have shingles and are in contact with someone who hasn’t had chickenpox or… wasn’t vaccinated for chickenpox, you can give that person chickenpox. That person would have to come in direct contact with your shingles rash. If you have shingles without a rash, you shouldn’t be able to pass it to others. Still, it’s a good idea to avoid contact with people who haven’t had chickenpox as well as pregnant women until your other symptoms have cleared up.