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SYMPTOMS OF SHINGLES – WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

There are signs and symptoms which typically present with shingles.1–3 These include the prodrome stage, active stage and blistering stage.

The prodrome stage

is when you begin to feel a burning or tingling sensation but there isn’t anything visible on the skin.2,3

  • Pain and tingling
    The first indication may be a localised pain or tingling, often on one side of the body or face.
  • Itching
    The affected area can become itchy.
  • Sensitivity to touch
    The affected skin may be sensitive to touch.
  • Fever
    Some individuals may experience fever before the rash begins.
  • Malaise
    Generally feeling unwell.
  • Headache
    Headaches can accompany other symptoms.
The active stage

is when you begin to feel a burning or tingling sensation but there isn’t anything visible on the skin.2,3

Rash (primary symptom)

The rash, consisting of red bumps, usually follows a distinct pattern, forming a band or stripe. These bumps quickly develop into fluid-filled blisters, which can be painful and itchy. The skin around the affected area may become red and inflamed.

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Upset stomach
The skin blistering stage

is when the rash starts to form painful, fluid-filled blisters. The blisters can break open and leak fluid that contains the varicella-zoster virus.2,3

After the blisters crust over, the skin will gradually heal, and the scabs will disappear over the next couple of weeks.2,3

Complications

can extend beyond the initial discomfort of the rash and pain.1–3

The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a persistent and often debilitating pain that lingers for at least 3 months after the rash has healed.2,3 The incidence increases with age, ranging from approximately 10% in people aged 50 to 59-years-old to up to 20% in those aged over 80 years.4 Adults over 50 are more likely to develop PHN and have longer lasting and more severe pain than a younger person with shingles.2,3

Other complications can occur with vision if shingles affects the eye, potentially leading to impaired vision or, in severe and rare cases, permanent loss of vision.2,3

Rarely, bacterial infections may occur if the blisters become infected, potentially leading to additional skin complications.2,3

Shingles can affect sleep, general activities and mood.5

Very rarely shingles can lead to neurological complications, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or facial drooping (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome).2,3

Early recognition and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.1,2 If you think you may have shingles, go to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

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“It still feel like it has affected my vision a little bit...and also I keep getting tingling pains now and then and sometimes, I just feel a sense of numbness on the right side of my face.”

—
Chandini
shingles in her 50s

Individual patients’ symptoms of shingles may vary. These statements are based on some patients’ descriptions and do not represent every patient’s experience.

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