Small blisters form and fill with fluid. Later they break open and develop crusty scabs. If the blisters are scratched, someone with shingles might develop a skin infection. This could require treatment with antibiotics and might cause scars. In most cases, the rash goes away within a few weeks, but in some cases, severe pain can last for months or even years.
Shingles can only occur after someone has had chickenpox.
However, people who have not had chickenpox could become infected with herpes zoster and develop chickenpox. They should avoid contact with the shingles rash or with any materials that may have touched the shingles rash or blisters. Both famciclovir and galaciclovir are taken three times each day, compared to five times for acyclovir. All of these drugs work best when they are started within the first three days after the shingles pain begins. Doctors often prescribe various pain medications for people with shingles.