If you think you may have shingles, see a healthcare professional right away. Treatment must be started within 72 hours of the first symptoms to have a significant effect. The medication is even more effective before the rash appears.
Shingles usually starts with pain, tingling and tenderness on one side of the body, without a rash at first. In rare cases, this pain is the only symptom, and the rash never develops.
Shingles symptoms often follow a pattern:
- Numb, painful, burning, or itchy skin appears for a few days
- A rash on one side of the body appears
- Small groups of blisters appear
- Blisters dry out and form scabs after 7 to 10 days
- The rash heals in about two to four weeks
- Pain and tenderness may persist for months or years
Other symptoms may occur, like nausea, aches, fevers, and tiredness. Healthy people have the pain and rash for two to four weeks. People over age 60 or who have other health problems may take longer to recover.
See a Healthcare Professional Right Away
The situation is an emergency when:
- The pain and rash occur near your eyes or nose.
- Shingles can cause lasting vision loss.
- The pain and rash occur near your ears. Shingles can cause permanent hearing loss.
- If someone close to you has a weak immune system. ยท If the pain and rash is intense and widespread.
Sometimes the pain can be very intense. This can occur even before the rash appears. You must see a healthcare provider as soon as possible if symptoms like these occur so that the right diagnosis can be made.
Last Updated October 2022