What are the symptoms of shingles?

Before the rash appears, the affected skin may feel unusually sensitive, itchy, burning or painful. The rash commonly forms a band or cluster on one side of the chest, back, abdomen or face and usually does not cross the body's midline. Blisters can fill with fluid, break and crust. Some people also feel tired, feverish or headachy. Pain may continue after the skin clears, because shingles affects a nerve. It is different from chickenpox, although both are linked to the same virus.

Contact a GP or clinician as soon as you notice a one-sided painful rash, especially if new blisters are appearing. Antiviral treatment is time-sensitive and may reduce the length or severity of illness when started early. Keep the rash clean and covered, avoid picking blisters, and wash your hands after touching the area. Avoid close contact with people who are pregnant, immunocompromised or not immune to chickenpox while blisters are open.

Seek urgent medical care for a rash near the eye or ear, facial weakness, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty or chest pain. Prompt assessment is also needed if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or feel very unwell. Emergency symptoms should not be attributed to shingles without assessment.

Ask whether the rash needs antiviral treatment, how to control nerve pain, and how long to avoid close contact with others. Ask whether vaccination is suitable for you after the acute illness has settled.