This article discusses the stages of shingles, symptoms, duration, when you can transmit it, and when to call your doctor.
What is shingles?
The varicella-zoster virus is the virus responsible for shingles. When a person is first infected, they get chickenpox. These are red, itchy, and sometimes painful bumps on the skin. After the chickenpox infection goes away, the virus does not leave the body. It lives in the nerve cells in an inactive state.
In most adults, the virus never leads to shingles. For
Shingles is a painful rash that can happen anywhere. However, it typically occurs in one area or on one side of the body. The rash has painful, fluid-filled blisters that open, ooze fluid, and then scab over toward the end of the infection.
Along with the rash, other symptoms may include:
What are the stages of shingles, and how long do they last?
The timespan of shingles breaks down into 3 stages based on how the infection progresses.
Stage 1
During the stage 1, you may experience skin sensations, including:
- burning
- itching
- tingling
- electrical sensations
- hypersensitivity
Common areas for shingles include the waist, chest, or back, usually on one side of the body. Shingles can also form on the face or other areas of the body.
This stage may last
Stage 2
During stage 2, a red, blistering rash appears in the area where the skin has sensitivity. Flu-like symptoms may continue.
The fluid-filled blisters appear. The rash can be very painful and interfere with your daily activities. The blisters typically scab up in 7–10 days.
Shingles is
Coming into contact with fluid from the blisters exposes people to the virus. People who have not had chickenpox can contract the virus. If infected, they may get chickenpox which can lead to shingles later.
Keeping your blisters covered greatly reduces the risk of spreading the varicella-zoster virus. Other
- Avoid people who have a weakened immune system.
- Avoid people who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.
- Wash hands often.
- Do not touch or scratch the rash.
Stage 3
When the rash starts to clear, the blisters may burst open and bleed before they scab over. Anytime there is liquid still present from your blisters, you can transmit the virus. The scabs usually clear up after 2–4 weeks.
Overall, shingles typically runs its course between 3–5 weeks.
What is the duration and progression of shingles?
| Stage | Duration | Symptoms | Contagious? |
| 1 | 1–3 days | skin sensitivity, flu-like symptoms | no |
| 2 | 7–10 days | red rash, fluid-filled blisters that can break open, skin and nerve pain | yes |
| 3 | 2–4 weeks | rash begins to clear, blisters scab over and heal | yes, if blister fluid is present |
What are the potential complications of shingles?
PHN is long lasting pain that can make routine daily activities difficult. Some people with PHN also experience:
- anxiety
- depression
- sleeplessness
- weight loss
The older you are when you have shingles, the more at risk you are for developing PHN. Talk with your doctor if you experience long lasting symptoms after shingles, including PHN.
Treatment for PHN includes:
- lidocaine or capsaicin, topical pain control
- gabapentin or pregabalin, oral nerve pain control
- tricyclic antidepressants
When to call your doctor?
Contact your doctor as soon as you notice skin sensations, and certainly once the rash develops.
There is no cure for shingles. However, antiviral medications can help the blisters heal faster and lower the risk of severe pain.
Antiviral treatment should begin within 72 hours of the rash developing. Treatment can reduce the severity of your infection and lower your risk of developing the long-term complication PHN.
Rash or blisters on the face requires urgent medical care. Notify your doctor right away. Shingles on the face or near the eyes or ears can cause:
- eye damage
- blindness
- hearing loss
- temporary paralysis of the face
- inflammation of the brain
Older adults and people with reduced immune systems are more at risk for complications.
How is shingles treated?
Antiviral medications help lessen the severity of shingle symptoms and can lower your risk of complications. Acyclovir is a common antiviral medication that doctors prescribe to treat shingles.
Your doctor may also give you medication to manage pain.
To learn more about the treatment of shingles, read here.
What you can do at home for shingles?
Here are a few things you can try at home to help you feel more comfortable.
- Place a cool wet washcloth on your rash.
- Take a soothing colloidal oatmeal bath or starch bath.
- Use calamine lotion and Zostrix cream to help calm the skin.
- Take antihistamines (oral or topical) to reduce skin itching.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, to help manage pain.
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help relieve your pain and fever.
How can you prevent shingles?
People over 50 years old — or over 19 years with reduced immune systems — can get the Shingrix vaccine. This vaccine can help
Summary
Shingles is a painful viral infection that affects the skin and nerves. The varicella-zoster virus causes it.
Shingles progress through 3 basic stages and can last 3–5 weeks. Stages include:
- uncomfortable skin sensation and possibly flu-like symptoms
- rash breakout with painful blistering and oozing
- scabbing and healing
Antiviral medications can help the blisters heal faster and lower the risk of severe pain and long-term nerve complications. Contact your doctor immediately when you recognize the skin sensations or as soon as you notice the rash. It is best to begin antiviral treatment within
A shingles infection is most contagious from when blisters form to when they are completely scabbed over.
