Shingles
Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. See a GP as soon as possible if you think you have it.
Check if you have shingles
The first signs of shingles can be:
- a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin
- a headache or feeling generally unwell
A rash will appear a few days later.
Usually you get shingles on your chest and tummy, but it can appear on your face, eyes and genitals.
See a GP as soon as you suspect shingles
They can prescribe medicine to help speed up your recovery and avoid longer-lasting problems.
These work best if taken within 3 days of your symptoms starting.
If you can't see a GP, call 111 for advice about what to do.
How to treat shingles symptoms yourself
Do
- take paracetamol to ease pain
- keep the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection
- wear loose-fitting clothing
- use a cool compress (a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel or a wet cloth) a few times a day
Don't
- let dressings or plasters stick to the rash
- use antibiotic cream – this slows healing
How long shingles lasts
It can take up to 4 weeks for the rash to heal.
Your skin can be painful for weeks after the rash has gone, but it usually settles over time.
Stay away from certain groups of people if you have shingles
You can't spread shingles to others. But people who haven't had chickenpox before could catch chickenpox from you.
This is because shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus.
Try to avoid:
- pregnant women who have not had chickenpox before
- people with a weakened immune system – like someone having chemotherapy
- babies less than 1 month old – unless it's your own baby, as they should be protected from the virus by your immune system
Stay off work or school until the rash scabs.
You're only infectious to others while the rash oozes fluid.
Shingles and pregnancy
If you're pregnant and get shingles, there's no danger to your pregnancy or baby.
But your GP should refer you to a specialist, as you may need antiviral treatment.
You can't get shingles from someone with chickenpox
You can't get shingles from someone with shingles or chickenpox.
But you can get chickenpox from someone with shingles if you haven't had chickenpox before.
When people get chickenpox, the virus remains in the body. It can be reactivated later and cause shingles if someone's immune system is lowered.
This can be because of stress, certain conditions, or treatments like chemotherapy.
Shingles vaccination
A shingles vaccine is available on the NHS for people in their 70s. It helps reduce your risk of getting shingles.
If you get shingles after being vaccinated, the symptoms can be much milder.
Ask your GP surgery if you can get the vaccine on the NHS.
Find out more about who can have the shingles vaccine.