What does shingles feel like?

Pain, burning, tingling, itching or unusual sensitivity may begin before the rash becomes visible.

Some patients also experience:

Headache
Fatigue
Fever
Chills
Sensitivity to light
General discomfort

The pain can range from mild irritation to severe burning or stabbing.

What does the shingles rash look like?

Shingles usually causes grouped fluid-filled blisters in a band on one side of the body or face. The rash follows the path of an affected nerve and generally does not cross the middle of the body.

Common locations include the:

Chest
Back
Abdomen
Face
Scalp
Neck

The blisters gradually crust and heal, usually over several weeks.

Some patients experience nerve pain after the skin clears. This is called postherpetic neuralgia.

Is shingles contagious?

A person with shingles cannot directly give another person shingles. However, fluid from the blisters can spread the varicella-zoster virus to someone who has never had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccination. That person could develop chickenpox.

Until the lesions have crusted:

Keep the rash covered
Avoid touching or scratching it
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid close contact with susceptible pregnant people, newborns and people with weakened immune systems

When does shingles require urgent care?

Seek prompt medical attention when the rash:

Is on the forehead, nose or around an eye
Causes eye pain or vision changes
Affects an ear or causes facial weakness
Is widespread
Occurs in someone with a weakened immune system
Causes severe pain, confusion or weakness

Shingles around the eye can threaten vision and requires urgent treatment.

How is shingles treated?

Treatment may include:

An oral antiviral medication
Medication for pain
Cool compresses
Calamine lotion
Care for secondary bacterial infection
Treatment for persistent nerve pain

Antiviral medication is most effective when started promptly, so contact a healthcare provider as soon as shingles is suspected.

Vaccination can substantially reduce the likelihood of shingles and its complications. Ask your healthcare provider whether shingles vaccination is recommended for you.

Schedule a shingles evaluation

A painful, blistering rash should be evaluated promptly. The Dermatology Clinic can confirm the diagnosis, prescribe treatment and identify symptoms that require additional urgent medical or eye care. Contact us today to get scheduled.