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What is shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is triggered by the same virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella-zoster.
After someone has had chickenpox, the virus can stay inactive in the body for years. It may reactivate later in life and cause shingles.
Early symptoms of shingles
The first signs of shingles often appear before any rash develops. These may include tingling, itching, burning, or pain in one area of the skin.
Some people also feel unwell, with symptoms such as headache, tiredness, fever, or an upset stomach. The skin may become sensitive to touch before the rash appears.
The shingles rash
The rash usually appears on one side of the body, often on the chest, back, or face. It commonly follows a band or strip pattern and does not usually cross over the middle of the body.
Small red patches develop into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters can be very sore and may burst, then crust over as they heal.
Pain and discomfort
Pain is one of the most common shingles symptoms. It can range from mild to severe and may feel sharp, burning, aching, or stabbing.
For some people, the pain is the most troublesome part of the condition. The affected skin may also be tender and painful to the lightest touch.
Other symptoms to look out for
If shingles affects the face, symptoms can include eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. Shingles near the eye needs urgent medical attention because it can affect vision.
Some people experience numbness or a crawling sensation in the affected area. Itching can also continue throughout the rash stage.
When to seek medical advice
You should contact a GP if you think you have shingles, especially if the rash is painful or spreading. Treatment works best when started early, ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
Seek urgent help if shingles affects the eye, if you are pregnant, or if you have a weakened immune system. You should also get advice if the pain is severe or the rash becomes infected.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common shingles symptoms are pain, burning, tingling, or itching on one side of the body, followed by a blistering rash. Many people also have fever, headache, fatigue, or sensitivity to touch.
Early shingles symptoms often feel like localized burning, stinging, tingling, or deep aching in a specific area of skin before any rash shows up. This pain may start a few days before blisters appear.
Shingles symptoms usually appear on one side of the body, often around the chest, back, waist, or face. The rash commonly follows a band-like pattern along a nerve path.
Shingles symptoms often last 2 to 4 weeks, though pain can continue longer in some people. The rash usually starts to crust over after about 7 to 10 days.
Shingles symptoms themselves are not contagious, but the virus that causes shingles can spread to someone who has never had chickenpox or the vaccine. That person may develop chickenpox, not shingles.
Yes, shingles symptoms can sometimes occur without a visible rash. This is less common and is sometimes called zoster sine herpete, where nerve pain happens without blisters.
Typical shingles symptoms include pain that is sharp, burning, throbbing, or sensitive to light touch in one area. The pain usually follows one nerve path and stays on one side of the body.
Yes, shingles symptoms can include fever, fatigue, headache, and a general feeling of being unwell. These symptoms may occur before or along with the rash.
Shingles symptoms usually affect one area on one side of the body and are often preceded by pain. Chickenpox symptoms are more generalized and usually cause a widespread itchy rash rather than a nerve-related band of blisters.
Yes, shingles symptoms can affect the face, scalp, or eyes if the rash involves certain facial nerves. Eye involvement can be serious and needs prompt medical attention.
Shingles symptoms may be getting worse if pain becomes severe, the rash spreads, or you develop fever, confusion, eye symptoms, or signs of infection such as increasing redness or pus. These changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Shingles symptoms usually cause burning, tingling, or skin sensitivity in a stripe-like area, often followed by a rash. A pulled muscle usually causes pain that changes with movement and does not cause blisters or one-sided skin tenderness.
Stress does not directly cause shingles symptoms, but it may contribute to immune system changes that can increase the risk of shingles reactivation. Once shingles starts, stress can also make symptoms feel more difficult to manage.
Shingles symptoms on the skin typically start as red patches that turn into clusters of fluid-filled blisters. The blisters later break open and crust over.
Shingles symptoms should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible, especially if the rash is near the eyes, the pain is severe, or the person is older or immunocompromised. Early treatment can help reduce complications and pain.
Yes, shingles symptoms can lead to long-lasting nerve pain after the rash heals, called postherpetic neuralgia. This pain may persist for months or longer in some people.
No, shingles symptoms do not always cause a blistering rash, although most cases do. Some people have pain and nerve symptoms without noticeable skin changes.
Shingles symptoms may be relieved at home with cool compresses, loose clothing, calamine lotion, and rest. Pain relievers may also help, but antiviral medicine from a doctor works best when started early.
Shingles symptoms in older adults can be more severe, with stronger pain and a higher risk of complications. Older adults are also more likely to develop long-lasting nerve pain after the rash.
Shingles symptoms may be an emergency if there is eye pain, vision changes, facial weakness, confusion, severe headache, or widespread rash. These symptoms need urgent medical evaluation.
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