What does shingles mean in older adults?

Shingles often starts with burning, tingling or sensitivity in one area before a grouped rash appears. Older adults may have more troublesome pain during recovery, and pain can continue after the skin clears. The rash can also affect the eye, ear or face, where complications need rapid attention. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis and review other medicines and health conditions.

Contact a doctor promptly when a one-sided painful rash or blisters appear. Keep the area clean and covered, wash hands and avoid direct contact with people who lack chickenpox immunity until lesions crust. Use only pain medicines that fit your other conditions and prescriptions. Ask a clinician whether shingles vaccination is suitable for you.

Get urgent help for a rash near the eye or ear, vision or hearing change, facial weakness, confusion, severe headache, widespread blisters or rapidly worsening pain. Seek review if pain remains after the rash heals, because nerve pain may need a different treatment plan.

Ask how quickly treatment should start, which pain options are safe with your medicines, whether the eye or ear needs checking, how long to avoid vulnerable contacts, and whether vaccination is appropriate after recovery.