Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. A shingles rash forms a band or patch of blisters on one side of the body or face. Starting treatment within 3 days of the rash eases pain and speeds healing.

What Is It

After chickenpox, the virus stays asleep in the nerves for years. Shingles happens when it wakes up, often with age, stress, or a weak immune system. It is most common after age 50. Pain, burning, or tingling often starts 1 to 5 days before the rash appears.

Symptoms

Burning, tingling, or itching on one side of the body
A red rash that turns into fluid filled blisters
A band of rash on the chest, back, or waist
Rash on one side of the face or near the eye
Fever, headache, and tiredness
Pain that lasts after the rash heals

Not sure it’s shingles? Shingles stays on one side and follows a band. A blistering rash in streaks after time outdoors is more likely poison ivy.

Treatment

At your visit: Shingles is diagnosed by how the rash looks. Antiviral medicine works best when started within 3 days of the rash. Nerve pain is treated, and a rash on the face needs an eye check.

At home:

Keep the rash clean, dry, and loosely covered
Use cool compresses and calamine lotion for itch
Use over the counter pain relievers as directed
Avoid babies, pregnant women, and anyone with a weak immune system until blisters crust over

The rash usually heals in 2 to 4 weeks. The shingles vaccine lowers the chance of getting it again.

When to Get Care for Shingles

Watch at Home

A rash that is already crusting over
Mild pain controlled with home medicine
Already started on treatment

Come to Urgent Care Today

A new painful, blistering rash on one side of the body
Burning or tingling on one side before a rash appears
A rash on the face, nose, or forehead
Pain that keeps you from sleeping
Age over 50 or a weak immune system with a new rash

Go to the Emergency Department

A rash near the eye with eye pain, redness, or vision changes
Severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion
Weakness or drooping on one side of the face
A rash spreading over large parts of the body in someone with a weak immune system

FAQ

What are the early signs of shingles?

The early signs of shingles are burning, tingling, itching, or pain on one side of the body. A red rash with blisters usually follows within 1 to 5 days.

Is shingles contagious?

Shingles itself does not spread, but the virus can cause chickenpox in someone who never had chickenpox or the vaccine. You are contagious until all blisters crust over.

How long does shingles last?

Shingles usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Pain can linger for weeks or months after the rash heals, especially in older adults.

Why should shingles be treated in 3 days?

Shingles treatment works best within 3 days of the rash appearing. Starting antiviral medicine early shortens the illness and lowers the risk of long lasting nerve pain.

Can urgent care treat shingles?

Yes, urgent care can diagnose and treat shingles. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can confirm shingles and check the eyes when the rash is on the face.

When is shingles an emergency?

Shingles is an emergency when the rash is near the eye with vision changes or eye pain, or comes with confusion, severe headache, or weakness in the face.

Last reviewed October 2026