What is shingles?
Shingles typically presents as an itchy, blistering rash. This rash appears either on the right or left side of the body,
not crossing the middle. It can develop on your torso or head (including eyes), most commonly appearing on the chest or abdomen.1
People have described shingles pain as burning, stabbing or shock-like. It can disrupt your life, affecting daily activities like getting dressed, walking and sleeping.1,2
Along with the rash and pain, you could also experience sensitivity to light and touch, headache and not feeling well.1
What you need to know about shingles
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How long does shingles last? While the rash usually heals in a few weeks, you could experience complications such as nerve pain that can last months and in some cases even years.1
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What causes shingles?
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus.1 90% of people over 50 carry this virus, which can reactivate at any time.1,3†
Your immune system keeps the virus dormant in your body. Unfortunately, our immunity weakens with age, allowing the virus to reactivate and cause shingles.1
1 in 3 adults develop shingles during their lifetime.1,4,5†Not everyone at risk will develop shingles.1
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Why am I at higher risk after 50?
Your risk of shingles increases sharply after 50, as your immune system is less able to keep the virus dormant.1,6 Some underlying medical conditions and treatments can also weaken the immune system, increasing your risk.1
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How would shingles affect me?
Shingles can interfere with your life in many ways, such as interrupting your sleep, impacting your ability to move, causing stress and anxiety, and affecting your work.2
Even more, it can impact your relationships with family and friends,2 and potentially cause you to miss important life moments. -
Is shingles contagious?
Shingles happens when the varicella zoster virus that’s already in your body reactivates, so it can’t be passed on from one person to another.1,7
However, since the virus that causes shingles and chickenpox is the same, a person who has never had chickenpox or isn’t protected against it, may get chickenpox if they come in direct contact with the blisters of someone who has shingles.1,7
Treatment
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How can I manage or treat shingles?
If you think you may have shingles, contact your doctor for detailed advice and diagnosis.
Until you are able to see your doctor, follow these self-help tips:1,7
- Keep the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Use a cool compress a few times a day
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Are you at risk of shingles?
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“Shingles? I thought I was too young. I was wrong. The pain made me want to rip my skin off. I really struggled to sleep. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? It was the worst experience of my life. There were these terrible blisters. It felt like my skin was on fire. I thought I was too young for shingles.”*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? I’ve never felt pain like it, and I’ve had three kids. Most days I didn’t leave the house.”*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? I thought it was for older people. It really slowed my life down."*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? I had no idea someone healthy like me could get it. It was the worst experience of my life."*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? There were these terrible blisters. I really struggled to sleep."*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
All images across the webpage are patient portrayals.
Any information provided on this website should be discussed with a healthcare professional and does not replace a healthcare professional's advice.
For more information or for medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
References
- Harpaz R, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Seward JF. Prevention of herpes zoster: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008;57(RR-5):1–30.
- Weinke T, Edte A, Schmitt S, Lukas K. Impact of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia on patients’ quality of life: a patient-reported outcomes survey. Z Gesundh Wiss. 2010;18:367–374.
- Bollaerts K, Riera-Montes M, Heininger U, et al. A systematic review of varicella seroprevalence in European countries before universal childhood immunization: deriving incidence from seroprevalence data. Epidemiol Infect. 2017;145:2666–2677.
- Lee C, Giannelos N, Curran D, et al. Lifetime risk of herpes zoster in the population of Beijing, China. Public Health Pract (Oxf). 2023;5:100356.
- Södergren E, Mårdberg K, Nishimwe M, et al. Incidence and burden of herpes zoster in Sweden: a regional population-based register study. Infect Dis Ther. 2024;13(1):121–140.
- Hales CM, Harpaz R, Ortega-Sanchez I, Bialek SR. Update on recommendations for use of herpes zoster vaccine. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2014;63(33):729–731.
- NHS. Shingles. Last reviewed: November 2023. Accessed June 2024. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles