Persistent Swelling of Lymph Nodes One Month Post-Shingles
Greetings, I’m a 34-year-old female residing in the UK with no prior health issues. On June 2nd, I received a diagnosis of shingles. At that time, I experienced significant itching along with swollen, sensitive lymph nodes in both my groin and collarbone on the same side as the rash, which appeared on my hip. While the rash has since formed scabs and has begun to fade, it is still somewhat visible. I opted not to take any prescribed medication for the shingles, as my doctor recommended a regimen of five tablets daily for a week, which I find difficult since I struggle with large tablets. Instead, the doctor advised that I allow my body to combat the virus naturally due to my youth and overall good health, considering I was not in pain. Although the fatigue, itching, and sensitivity have subsided, the swollen lymph nodes in my groin and collarbone persist. They have diminished slightly and are no longer painful, but I am curious if it is typical for lymph nodes to remain elevated for this duration. Given that the rash is still faintly visible, I am concerned the virus might still be present. The node in my collarbone is particularly noticeable when I touch it, as it's situated close to the bone. I struggle with health anxiety, which causes me to overthink my symptoms and assume they are more severe than they probably are. Should I be concerned about the lymph nodes continuing to swell, or is it wise to wait until the rash completely resolves before I stress over them? Is it possible that their prolonged swelling is due to my choice not to take medication? Thank you for your insights.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 8:01:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about persistent swollen lymph nodes after shingles, especially when health anxiety is a factor. Here's a detailed response to your situation:
Main Points:
- Swollen lymph nodes can remain enlarged for some time after an infection, including shingles.
- While it's typical for lymph nodes to take a while to return to normal size, monitoring your body and any changes is essential.
Explanation:
Lymph nodes are part of your immune system. They can become swollen as they work to fight infections or respond to inflammation. In the case of shingles, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox), it’s common for lymph nodes to swell during the illness and potentially remain enlarged for some time after the rash resolves.
After a viral infection like shingles, it is often normal for lymph nodes to take longer to go back to their usual size, especially if the body is still processing the infection or if there was significant inflammation. The fact that your lymph nodes are no longer painful and have decreased in size is reassuring.
Giving your body time to heal, especially since you are young and healthy, is often the best approach. Not taking antiviral medication does not typically lead to prolonged swelling of lymph nodes so much as your body's natural recovery process does.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the lymph nodes. If they continue to decrease in size, that's a positive sign. However, if you notice sudden increases in size, pain, or additional symptoms (like fever or night sweats), that would be notable.
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure you’re staying well-hydrated and getting sufficient rest to support your recovery from shingles.
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Stress Management: Since health anxiety is a concern, consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or light exercise, which may help alleviate some anxieties.
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Track Changes: Consider keeping a simple diary of your symptoms, noting the size and sensitivity of the lymph nodes over the next couple of weeks. This can provide reassurance and clarity on any changes.
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Follow Up: If the swelling persists for more than a few weeks without improvement or if new symptoms arise, you can consider discussing this with a healthcare professional for further evaluation, particularly for peace of mind.
It's natural to feel concerned, but it sounds like you are on a positive path towards recovery. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or if your situation changes.
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