Dermatology, by video or in person
Shingles
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Shingles
- Burning, tingling or stabbing pain on one side of the body
- A rash of blisters in a band or strip a few days later
- Blisters that crust over within about a week
- Itching and tenderness of the skin
- Fever, headache and feeling unwell
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus, which stays asleep in the nerves after chickenpox and can wake up years later. It usually appears as a band of blisters on one side of the chest, back, face or neck, often after a few days of burning or tingling pain in the same place. It is more common after age fifty, and in people with weakened immunity, including those with HIV, cancer or on steroids. Antiviral tablets work best when started within three days of the rash appearing, and they shorten the illness and lower the risk of lasting nerve pain.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Burning, tingling or stabbing pain on one side of the body
- A rash of blisters in a band or strip a few days later
- Blisters that crust over within about a week
- Itching and tenderness of the skin
- Fever, headache and feeling unwell
- Pain that continues after the rash has healed
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor within three days of the rash starting, when antiviral treatment helps most. Go to an eye hospital or emergency department the same day if the rash is on the forehead, nose or around the eye, or the eye is red, painful or blurred. Go to a hospital too if the rash spreads widely over the body, you have weakened immunity, or you develop weakness of the face, confusion or a severe headache.
Treatment options
- Antiviral tablets such as aciclovir, best started within three days
- Paracetamol, ibuprofen or nerve pain medicine for the pain
- Keeping the rash clean, dry and loosely covered
- Urgent eye review when the rash involves the eye area
- The shingles vaccine for older adults, to lower the risk of it coming back
Common Questions
Is shingles contagious?
You cannot catch shingles from someone, but the fluid in the blisters can give chickenpox to a person who has never had it or the vaccine. Keep the rash covered and avoid pregnant women, newborns and people with weak immunity until it crusts.
Does shingles mean I have HIV?
No. Shingles is common in healthy older people. In a younger adult, a doctor may suggest an HIV test as part of a routine check, because weakened immunity makes shingles more likely.
Can the pain last after the rash goes?
Yes. Some people, especially older adults, have nerve pain for months, called post-herpetic neuralgia. Early antiviral treatment lowers the risk, and specific nerve pain medicines help.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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