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
Treatment
Hear more from Bil, a patient who's
experienced shingles suffering
Bil is a patient advocate and was diagnosed with shingles in 2024. This is his experience; others' experiences with shingles may be different.*
*Not everyone at risk will develop shingles.1
Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.1
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
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