Shingles: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Shingles is a painful rash, usually on one side of the body, caused by the chickenpox virus becoming active again. See a pharmacist or GP as soon as possible: antiviral medicine works best if started within 3 days of the rash appearing. Shingles near the eye needs urgent help.
Overview
The first sign is often a tingling or painful feeling in one area of skin, followed a few days later by a rash of blotches that turn into itchy blisters. It usually appears on the chest or tummy, but can affect the face, eyes and genitals. The rash usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal.
Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. It is more common in older people and those with a weakened immune system. You cannot catch shingles from someone, but someone who has not had chickenpox can catch chickenpox from contact with the fluid in shingles blisters.
What may help
- Take a standard painkiller if needed
- Keep the rash clean and dry, and wear loose-fitting clothing
- Use a cool compress to ease the pain
- Avoid contact with pregnant people who have not had chickenpox, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems until the blisters have crusted over
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- You think you have shingles, especially within 3 days of the rash appearing
- You are pregnant or have a weakened immune system
- The pain is very bad or the rash is widespread
- Pain continues after the rash has healed
When it could be an emergency
- A rash on or near the eye, or changes in your eyesight
- A rash with a high temperature, confusion or a stiff neck
- Signs of a skin infection spreading quickly, such as hot, swollen, painful skin
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Shingles" in the appCommon questions
Is shingles contagious?
You cannot catch shingles from someone, but a person who has never had chickenpox can catch chickenpox from contact with the fluid in shingles blisters until they have crusted over.
How long does shingles last?
The rash usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal. Some people have nerve pain for weeks or months afterwards, called post-herpetic neuralgia.
Why is early treatment important?
Antiviral medicine works best if it is started within 3 days of the rash appearing. It can shorten the illness and reduce the risk of longer-term pain.
Is there a shingles vaccine?
Yes. A shingles vaccine is offered to some older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Ask your GP or health service whether you are eligible.
Official sources
Related topics
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Spots, contagious period and when to get help.
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Triggers, skincare routine, and when to seek help.
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Common causes, self-care, and red-flag symptoms.
Sepsis Signs
A life-threatening reaction to infection: know the signs.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.