An episode of shingles usually lasts for between 2-4 weeks. The first sign of the condition is a tingling sensation in the affected area, followed by pain, and then a rash.
Any part of your body can be affected by the rash and pain of shingles, although the chest and abdomen are most commonly affected. You may also experience pain in your arms and legs and, sometimes, the nerves in the upper half of your face (including your eyes) may also be affected.
Pain
If you have shingles, you will experience a localised 'band' of pain in the affected area.
The pain that is caused by shingles can 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.
Rash
The shingles rash usually follows about two to three days after the start of the pain. The rash appears on one side of your body, and it develops in the area of skin that is related to the affected nerve.
Initially, the shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin. It then develops quickly into itchy blisters that are similar in appearance to chickenpox. New blisters may appear for up to a week, but about three days after appearing they become yellowish in colour, flatten and dry out.
Finally, scabs form where the blisters were. This may leave some slight scarring.
Other symptoms
The symptoms of shingles are often mild. However, you should go to see your GP as soon as possible if you have the symptoms of shingles. Early treatment may reduce the severity of your symptoms and your risk of developing complications.
Seek medical treatment immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- high fever,
- confusion,
- loss of memory,
- exhaustion,
- severe headache, and
- any symptoms that affect your eye area.
You should also see you GP if you develop the symptoms of shingles and you are pregnant or you have a weakened immune system.
Postherpetic neuralgia
Some people who have shingles experience severe nerve pain, which is known as neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia occurs if your nerves are damaged and can last for months, or in some cases years after the initial symptoms have gone.
