Shingles
A painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus becoming active again. It usually appears as a band of blisters on one side of the body.
Quick Summary
Tingling or burning pain in one area, then a band of painful blisters on one side of the body or face.
Antiviral tablets started early, pain relief and keeping the rash clean and covered.
Having had chickenpox, older age, stress and a weak immune system.
Overview
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate years later.
The rash usually heals in two to four weeks, but some people have nerve pain that lasts much longer (post-herpetic neuralgia). Shingles near the eye needs urgent treatment.
Symptoms
Burning or tingling pain
Often starts a few days before the rash appears.
Blistering rash
A band or patch on one side of the body.
Rash near the eye
Needs urgent medical care to protect your sight.
Feeling unwell
Fever, headache and tiredness.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in a nerve, often when immunity is lower.
Key Risk Factors
- Age More common over 50.
- Weak immune system HIV, cancer, and medicines that suppress immunity.
- Stress and illness Can trigger reactivation.
Management & Treatment
01. Antiviral tablets
Aciclovir or valaciclovir, best started within three days of the rash.
02. Pain relief
Paracetamol and other medicines your doctor recommends for nerve pain.
03. Rash care
Keep it clean and dry and avoid contact with pregnant women and newborns until it crusts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shingles contagious?
Can shingles come back?
Is there a vaccine?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Shingles(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Shingles(opens in a new tab) · NHS