In short
Shingles (herpes zoster) is an infection that causes a painful rash.
Worth knowing5
The first signs of shingles can be: a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin; a headache or feeling generally unwell.
NHS websiteThe rash appears as blotches on your skin, on 1 side of your body only.
NHS websiteThe blotches become itchy blisters that ooze fluid.
NHS websiteIt can take up to 4 weeks for the shingles rash to heal.
NHS websiteYou cannot spread shingles to others.
NHS website
What helps4
Medicine for shingles works best when it is started within 3 days of the rash appearing.
NHS websiteAcetaminophen can ease the pain.
NHS websiteKeeping the rash clean and dry reduces the risk of infection.
NHS websiteA cool compress (a wet cloth or ice wrapped in a towel) a few times a day can help.
NHS website
Get help right away if2
Get care soon if you have symptoms of shingles and you are pregnant, the rash is on your eye or nose, your vision changes, your immune system is severely weakened, or you are 17 or younger. You might need medicine to speed up recovery and avoid longer-lasting problems.
NHS websiteA shingles rash in and around the eye can make it sore and red. It can affect your sight or hearing and make it hard to move 1 side of your face.
NHS website
See a provider if1
Medicine can speed up recovery and avoid longer-lasting problems, so see a provider or pharmacist as soon as you can if you think you have shingles.
NHS website
Sources
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: Shingles
- NHS website: Shingles (adapted; Open Government Licence v3.0), as at 13 October 2026
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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