What is shingles?

Shingles is an itchy, painful rash that usually occurs on one side of your body and/or face. Approximately one in every three people will get shingles in their lifetime. Shingles is contagious to people who have not had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated for the chickenpox virus.
Shingles blisters usually scab over in seven to 10 days, at which point they are no longer contagious. Shingles will usually clear up in two to four weeks. It’s a good idea to keep shingles blisters covered until they are completely healed because it is possible to transmit the virus through fluid from the rash.
People who get infected by a person with shingles will get chickenpox, not shingles, but may get shingles later.
The varicella zoster virus first causes chickenpox. Then, it stays dormant in the body in nerve cells. For unknown reasons, the virus can later become reactivated as shingles.
The main symptoms of shingles include:
- A rash on the skin
- Red blisters filled with fluid
- Stabbing or shooting pain
- Itching and redness
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
To avoid passing the virus to others, cover the rash and avoid touching it. Wash your hands often. Avoid people with weakened immune systems and people who are pregnant until your rash has healed.
Diagnosis for shingles
A licensed health care professional can diagnose whether you have shingles by examining you and asking about your medical history. Other skin conditions — such as impetigo (a bacterial infection), insect bites, and contact dermatitis (another type of rash) — can also resemble shingles.
Doctors do not often test for shingles, but they might if it could cause complications, such as when you have a weakened immune system, for example.
Treatments for shingles
For healthy people age 50 and older, the recombinant zoster vaccine, called Shingrix, is recommended to prevent shingles. The shingles vaccine is not recommended for people younger than 50.
If you do get shingles, there are options for medications as well as at-home care to help address symptoms.
Medications
Your doctor will likely administer an antiviral medication if you get shingles. These work best if you take them within three days of the start of the rash. They include:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects associated with these medications.
Painkillers that could help reduce pain from shingles inflammation include:
Tricyclic antidepressants may also help ease the pain. These drugs include amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), and desipramine (Norpramin).
Home care
Treatments to help ease the itchy, painful symptoms at home include:
- Resisting the urge to scratch or pick at the blisters
- Wet compress
- Calamine lotion
- Oatmeal bath
Alternative therapies
Some alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, may help ease shingles symptoms. One recent study looked at treating pain that lasts past the outbreak, called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), with acupuncture and found that it might be effective in relieving pain for people with PHN. Make sure you visit a professional.
Manuka and clover honey have antiviral properties that may help when applied to the rash. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can help relieve pain by delivering a small electrical current through electrodes attached to the skin.
Stress can exacerbate a shingles outbreak, so try to find ways to stay mellow, including talking with a therapist.

QUESTION
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. See AnswerComplications of shingles treatment
Shingles can cause vision loss if it affects the eye, or hearing loss if it affects the ear. It can also cause facial paralysis, called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Another possible complication is pain that lasts past the outbreak.
Latest Skin News
Daily Health News
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
American Family Physician: "Management of Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Postherpetic Neuralgia."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Signs & Symptoms."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Transmission."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Treating Shingles."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccination."
Harvard Health: "Shingles: What triggers this painful, burning rash?"
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry: “Ramsay Hunt syndrome.”
Medicine: "Acupuncture for postherpetic neuralgia."
National Institute on Aging: "5 Things You Need to Know About Shingles."
NEJM Journal Watch: “Common Questions About the Shingles Vaccine — Answered Here!”
The New York Times: "Is Shingles Contagious?"
Top How Is Shingles Treated Related Articles
Can You Have a Mild Case of Shingles?
The severity of shingles depends on various factors, such as age of the patient, general health condition of the patient, and the part of the body where shingles develops.Gabapentin vs. Baclofen
Gabapentin and baclofen are used off-label to treat nerve pain (neuralgia). Gabapentin is also an anti-seizure medication and treats nerve pain from shingles. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat pain caused by disorders such as multiple sclerosis. It is also injected into the spinal cord for management of severe spasticity.How Long Is Shingles Contagious?
Shingles is contagious from the time the blisters are oozing until the time the blisters have scabbed.Is Shingles Contagious?
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles symptoms and signs include skin burning, numbness, and tingling along with a painful red, blistering rash. Shingles is contagious until all of the blisters have crusted over.Shingles
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. Other shingles symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, and body aches. Treatment focuses on pain management and shortening the duration of the illness with antiviral medications.Shingles Quiz
Shingles falls within a well-known family of viruses that cause itching, burning, blisters, and pain. Take the Shingles Quiz to get the facts, causes, symptoms, and treatments for this itchy, painful condition.Shingles
Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, re-emerges due to a weakened immune system. Tingling may occur before herpes zoster blisters appear, usually on the side of the body. The shingles vaccine can boost the immune system to lower the risk of shingles outbreaks.Shingles Myths and Facts
There are some common misconceptions about this viral illness and the uncomfortable rash it can cause. Here's a guide through the myths and facts of shingles.Skin Problems: Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes
Learn to spot and treat skin conditions commonly found in adults such as acne, Covid-19 rashes, eczema, shingles, psoriasis, rosacea, hives, cold sores, razor bumps, athlete's foot, and more dermatology details.What Causes You to Get Shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Sometimes, in patients with a history of chickenpox, the virus may live in the nervous system for years in an inactive form, and then reactivate as shingles.What Does a Shingles Rash Look Like at First?
The typical shingles red rash or blisters occur after pain, itching, and tingling. They are usually limited to one side of the face and body.What Triggers a Shingles Outbreak?
Shingles occur when the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox, reactivates in the body, usually due to a weakened immune system. Learn about the symptoms of shingles and how you can treat them.Shingles Vaccine (Zoster Shingles Vaccine Live, Zostavax)
Zoster vaccine live (Zostavax) is an attenuated vaccine given to individuals age 60 or older for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster). Side effects, warnings and precautions, pregnancy information, and complications, should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.