Shingles Signs and Symptoms
The first symptom of shingles is often extreme sensitivity or pain in a broad band on one side of the body. The sensation can be itching, tingling, burning, constant aching, or deep, shooting, or "lightning bolt" pain.
Typically, 1-3 days after the pain starts, a rash with raised, red bumps and blisters erupts on the skin in the same distribution as the pain. They become pus-filled, then form scabs by 10-12 days.
The rash disappears as the scabs fall off in the next 2-3 weeks, and scarring may result.
- Pain, burning, tingling, itching, numbness or extreme sensitivity in a certain part of the body
- A red rash with fluid-filled blisters that begins a few days after the pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Upset stomach