However, a study on untreated shingles shows that, once the rash has cleared, postherpetic neuralgia is very rare in people under 50 and wears off in time; in older people, the pain wore off more slowly, but even in people over 70, 85% were free from pain a year after their shingles outbreak.

Shingles is characterized by pain or a tingling sensation in a limited area on one side of the face or torso, followed by a red rash with small, fluid-filled blisters.

Find out about shingles, including symptoms and what to do if you think you have it.

If you have shingles, a condition that’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus, you will usually have an itchy or painful red rash with liquid-filled blisters on one side of your body.

About Identify common symptoms, causes and spread, treatment, and risks of shingles (herpes zoster).

What Is Shingles? Shingles often causes a blistering rash and nerve pain. You might have early symptoms weeks or days before the rash appears. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and nerve damage. It’s also called herpes zoster.

Identify common symptoms, causes and spread, treatment, and risks of shingles (herpes zoster).

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Here's how to recognise the symptoms, prevent shingles and get the best treatment for you.

Learn about shingles (herpes zoster), including symptoms, underlying causes, contagiousness, vaccine options, diagnosis, and medical treatment.

At a glance Shingles is a painful, blistery rash caused by the chickenpox virus reactivating in a nerve. The rash usually appears in one area on one side of the body. Pain can start before the rash and may continue after it has cleared. An episode of shingles typically lasts between 2 and 4 weeks.