A rash begins in a band around one side of the chest, abdomen, or on the face. The rash blisters, fills with fluid, then pus, breaks open and then crusts over. It clears up in a few weeks. Pain may be limited or severe and improve when the rash heals or may continue for months or years. Post herpetic neuralgia occurs in 50 percent of those who have had shingles and are over age 60.
Herpes zoster can occur in the eye.
Any pain in the eye requires prompt medical evaluation to prevent eye infection or blindness. It is important that a person who has shingles lesions that have not crusted over, avoid physical contact with anyone who has not had chicken pox. The following suggestions describe comfort measures that can be done at home. Apply a soothing lotion. Take acetaminophen for mild pain.