Shingles is a reaction to the same virus as chickenpox. There are several signs which may indicate the condition. Though rash is one of the defining characteristics of shingles, pain is actually a very common sign of shingles. Some people are eligible for a vaccine.
Healthline says: “Discovering a rash on your skin can be alarming, especially when that rash is itchy or painful.
“While many conditions can cause a rash to appear on your skin, shingles and herpes are two common causes.”
The NHS says that the main symptom of shingles is pain, followed by a rash that develops into itchy blisters.
It explains: “New blisters may appear for up to a week, but a few days after appearing they become yellowish in colour, flatten and dry out. Scabs then form where the blisters were, which may leave some slight scarring.”
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Shingles is a reaction to the same virus as chickenpox. There are several signs which may indicate the condition. Though rash is one of the defining characteristics of shingles, pain is actually a very common sign of shingles. Some people are eligible for a vaccine.
The NHS says: “You cannot spread shingles to others. But people who have not had chickenpox before could catch chickenpox from you. This is because shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus.”
A shingles vaccine is available on the NHS for people in their 70s. It helps reduce your risk of getting shingles.
In 2013, there were about 50,000 cases of shingles in people above 70 in England and Wales every year, and about 50 of these cases resulted in death.
You can get shingles more than once, but this is very rare.
If your immune system is healthy, your chances of having shingles again in the first several years is lower than it is for people who have never had shingles.
Your chances of a second bout go up over time, but one study suggests within seven years the odds of getting shingles again are about five percent.
Your skin can be painful for weeks after the rash has gone, but it usually gets better over time.
If you get shingles after being vaccinated, the symptoms can be much milder.
The CDC states: “Several antiviral medicines—acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir—are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness.
“These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears.
“If you think you have shingles, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss treatment.”
It adds: “Some people have a greater risk of getting shingles. This includes people who have medical conditions that keep their immune systems from working properly.”
