Shingles

Shingles | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Infections and poisoning Shingles Shingles Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. Its caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Symptoms of shingles The main symptom of shingles is pain, followed by a rash that develops into itchy blisters . These look like chickenpox . Sometimes shingles causes symptoms that develop a few days before the painful rash. This includes symptoms like: a headache burning, tingling, numbness or itchiness of the skin in the affected area a feeling of being generally unwell a high temperature (fever) Shingles rash The shingles rash usually appears on one side of your body. It develops on the area of skin related to the affected nerve. New blisters can appear for up to a week. A few days after appearing they become yellowish in colour, flatten and dry out. Scabs then form where the blisters were, which may leave some slight scarring. Examples of the shingles rash Shingles on the back Shingles on the chest Shingles on the face Shingles on back of neck Shingles pain Most people with shingles experience a localised band of pain in the affected area. The pain may be a constant, dull or burning sensation and its intensity can vary from mild to severe. You may have sharp stabbing pains from time to time, and the affected area of skin will usually be tender. Getting advice from a GP or pharmacist Contact your GP practice if: You havent had chickenpox before, youve been exposed to someone who has chickenpox or shingles and you: are pregnant have a weakened immune system (the bodys natural defence system) are under 18 years old If your GP is closed, phone 111. Speak to a pharmacist if: youre 18 years or over and have symptoms of shingles If the pharmacist cannot treat you they may recommend you see your GP. Find your nearest pharmacy Causes of shingles When you catch chickenpox the virus stays in your body. It can become active again later on if your immune system is lowered and cause shingles. Your immune system can be lowered by things like: stress other illnesses or conditions treatments like chemotherapy Its possible to have shingles more than once, but its very rare to get it more than twice. Treating shingles Theres no cure for shingles. But, there are ways to ease your symptoms until the condition improves. Shingles symptoms usually get better in 2 to 4 weeks. Speak to your GP or pharmacist as soon as you get symptoms of shingles. Early treatment may help to reduce the severity of the condition and complications. Treating symptoms at home Do keep the rash as clean and dry as possible wear loose-fitting clothing use a cool damp cloth to soothe the skin and keep blisters clean try calamine lotion to help relieve itching Dont do not let dressings or plasters stick to the rash do not use antibiotic cream  this slows healing Other treatments for shingles Your GP or pharmacist may recommend painkillers to ease discomfort caused by shingles. This includes: paracetamol non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen opioids  used for more severe pain antidepressants  used for severe pain anticonvulsants  used for severe pain Some people with shingles may also be prescribed antiviral tablets. Preventing the spread of shingles You cant give shingles to other people. But, other people can catch chickenpox from you if they havent had it before. If you have shingles, youre contagious until the last blister has dried and scabbed over. To help prevent the virus being passed on: Dont do not share towels or flannels do not go swimming do not play contact sports do not go work or school if your rash is weeping (oozing fluid) and cant be covered Chickenpox Chickenpox can be particularly dangerous for certain groups of people. If you have shingles, avoid: pregnant women who havent had chickenpox before people with a weak immune system, for example someone with HIV or AIDS babies less than 1 month old (unless its your own baby) Complications of shingles Complications can sometimes occur as a result of shingles. They are more likely if your immune system is low, (the bodys natural defence system), or are elderly. Shingles is rarely life threatening. Complications, though, can mean that around 1 in every 1,000 cases in adults over the age of 70 is fatal. Complications can include: postherpetic neuralgia eye problems Ramsay Hunt syndrome the rash becoming infected with bacteria white patches (a loss of pigment) or scarring in the area of the rash inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) , liver (hepatitis), brain (encephalitis), spinal cord (transverse myelitis), or protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)  these complications are rare. The shingles vaccine Read about the shingles vaccine and find out if youre eligible Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 16 November 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. 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