What is shingles (herpes zoster)?
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It usually affects adults over 50 or people with weakened immune systems. The condition causes a painful, blistering rash typically appearing on one side of the body, often in a band-like pattern.
Shingles is not contagious as shingles, but the virus can cause chickenpox in individuals who have never been infected or vaccinated.
What causes shingles?
Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, dormant in nerve cells after chickenpox, becomes reactivated.
Risk factors:
- Age over 50
- Immune suppression (e.g., cancer treatment, HIV, corticosteroid use)
- Stress or trauma
- Certain medical conditions affecting the immune system
What are the common symptoms of shingles?
You may notice:
- Pain, burning, or tingling in a specific area of skin before the rash appears
- A red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
- Blisters that crust over within 7–10 days
- Fever, headache, or fatigue
- Sensitivity to touch or itching
Shingles commonly affects the chest, back, or face but can occur anywhere along a nerve path.
How is shingles diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on:
- Symptom history, particularly pain preceding rash
- Characteristic rash pattern
- Medical history including prior chickenpox infection
Online GP assessment is suitable for early management and symptom advice. In-person review may be needed if:
- Eye involvement is suspected (ophthalmic shingles)
- Severe pain or widespread rash occurs
- Complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia are suspected
How long does shingles last?
- Rash and blisters typically resolve within 2–4 weeks
- Pain may persist for months in post-herpetic neuralgia
Is shingles contagious?
Shingles itself is not contagious, but the varicella-zoster virus can infect someone who has never had chickenpox, causing chickenpox.
How to feel better and recover quickly
Self-care at Home:
- Keep blisters clean and covered
- Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection
- Apply cool compresses to relieve discomfort
- Take pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed
Treatment from a GP:
- Antiviral medications (acyclovir, valacyclovir) within 72 hours of rash onset
- Pain relief or nerve pain medications if required
- Referral to ophthalmology if eyes are affected
When referral is needed:
- Eye involvement
- Severe or widespread rash
- Immunocompromised patients
- Persistent nerve pain
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent medical attention in A&E if:
- Rash affects the eyes or vision changes
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Fever, confusion, or neurological symptoms
How Dr.Online UK can help
We offer:
- Same-day online GP appointments
- Assessment and diagnosis of shingles
- Private prescriptions for antivirals and pain relief
- Referral to ophthalmology or dermatology if required
