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Shingles is characterised by localised rash and pain.
Sometimes the pain starts before the rash appears.
Untreated, the rash typically lasts 2-5 weeks.
The most feared complication of shingles is persistent pain after the rash has healed (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Prompt management with an antiviral agent and pain killers is beneficial.
For maximum benefit, it is important that treatment is started within 3 days of the appearance of the rash.
Shingles is caused by the same virus (VZV) as chickenpox. After chickenpox, VZV can lie dormant in the body for decades. If the infection reactivates, the result is an attack of shingles.
Everyone who has had chickenpox (9 out of 10 adults) is at risk of developing shingles.
A second attack of shingles is very unusual. Sometimes herpes simplex, which can recur frequently, is misdiagnosed as recurrent shingles.
The risk of shingles and the likelihood of persistent pain both increase with advancing age.
