What happens if shingles is not treated?

Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus becomes active again in a nerve. It usually causes a painful, one-sided rash with grouped blisters. Untreated inflammation can leave the affected nerve sensitive after the skin heals, causing burning, tingling or pain from light touch. Infection near the eye can threaten vision, while facial or ear involvement can affect hearing or facial movement. People with a weakened immune system may become more unwell and need closer medical supervision.

Contact a GP or other clinician as soon as a one-sided painful blistering rash appears. Antiviral treatment works best when started early and may shorten the active illness or reduce complications. Keep the rash clean and covered, avoid scratching, and wash hands after touching it. Until the blisters crust, avoid close contact with pregnant people who have not had chickenpox, newborn babies and people with weakened immunity.

Seek urgent assessment for a rash on the forehead, nose or around the eye; new vision changes; severe headache, confusion, weakness or facial drooping; hearing changes; chest pain; breathing difficulty; or widespread blisters. Prompt care is also needed if fever or rapidly increasing redness suggests a secondary infection.

Ask whether antiviral treatment is suitable, how to control nerve pain, whether the eye or ear needs examination, and when shingles vaccination may be appropriate after recovery.