How long does shingles last? Timeline and treatment

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Read more about our vetting process.

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Shingles causes a painful rash, itching, and burning skin followed by oozing blisters. Shingles lasts 3–5 weeks in most cases, and the blisters usually take around 10 days to heal. After it heals, most people will not have shingles again.

Shingles is a viral infection that affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States. Around half of all shingles cases occur in adults over 60 years old.

It can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox, as both shingles and chickenpox are caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus remains in the body after chickenpox has cleared and can reactivate at any time, leading to shingles.

Shingles symptoms tend to develop on one side of the face or body. They often affect just a small area. The most common location is on the side of the waist, although they can occur anywhere.

Share on PinterestA red rash usually forms after several days of early symptoms.

Several days before a rash appears, shingles may cause skin sensitivity or pain. Further early symptoms include:

• general discomfort
• hot skin
• irritation
• itching
• numbness
• tingling

Within the next 1 to 5 days, a red rash will normally form around the sensitive area. A few days later, fluid-filled blisters will develop at the site of the rash.

The blisters will ooze before drying up, typically within 10 days of appearing. At this point, scabs will form on the skin, tending to heal within 2 weeks.

There may be other symptoms accompanying the skin sensitivity and rash, including:

• chills
• fatigue
• fever
• headache
• malaise or feeling of being unwell
• nausea
• sensitivity to light

A person’s vision may be affected if the shingles occurs near the eyes.

It should be noted that shingles symptoms range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing itching and mild discomfort and others having intense pain.

Most cases of shingles resolve without causing long-term effects. However, potential complications include:

Post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN)

Post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN) is a common complication of shingles. It refers to nerve damage that causes pain and burning that persists after the shingles infection is gone.

Some sources suggest that up to 20 percent of people who get shingles develop PHN with older adults thought to be especially at risk.

Treating PHN is difficult, and the symptoms can last for years. However, most people fully recover within 12 months.

It is not known why some people who have shingles go on to develop PHN. The risk factors for PHN include:

• a weakened immune system
• having pain during the early stages of a shingles infection
• advanced age
• having severe shingles that covers a large portion of the skin

According to some research, older women who get severe pain and rash symptoms may have a 50 percent chance of developing PHN.

Other complications

Other potential complications of shingles include:

• bacterial infections of the skin
• facial paralysis
• hearing loss
• hepatitis
• loss of taste
• pneumonia
• ringing in the ears
• vertigo, a type of dizziness
• vision problems

Share on PinterestOver-the-counter or prescription medication may be recommended to treat shingles.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as a person notices the symptoms of shingles.

The National Institute on Aging recommend that people seek medical treatment no later than 3 days after the rash appears. Early treatment can limit pain, help the rash heal quicker, and may reduce scarring.

Once a doctor confirms shingles, they may suggest the following treatments:

Antiviral drugs

These ease symptoms, speed up recovery, and may prevent complications. A course of antiviral medications is usually prescribed for 7 to 10 days. Options include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax)
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 3 days of the rash onset, although they may still be prescribed within the first 7 days of the rash appearing.

Painkillers and antihistamines

Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications may reduce pain and skin irritation. Options include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• antihistamines for itching, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• corticosteroids or local anesthetics for severe pain
• numbing products, including lidocaine (Lidoderm)

Some of these medications are available for purchase online, including ibuprofen, antihistamines, and lidocaine.

Antidepressants

Certain antidepressant drugs have been proven effective in reducing shingles pain, as well as symptoms of PHN.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are most commonly prescribed for shingles pain, including:

• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)

It can take several weeks or months before antidepressants work for nerve pain.

Anticonvulsant medications

Although typically used to treat epilepsy, some anticonvulsant drugs may reduce nerve pain. Again, these can take several weeks to take effect. Commonly prescribed anticonvulsants for shingles include:

• gabapentin (Neurontin)
• pregabalin (Lyrica)

In addition to seeking medical treatment, people can take other steps to alleviate their symptoms and reduce discomfort. These include:

• getting enough sleep and rest
• using a wet compress on the itchy and inflamed skin and blisters
• reducing stress through a healthy lifestyle, meditation, and deep breathing exercises
• wearing loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton.
• taking an oatmeal bath
• applying calamine lotion to the skin

People should avoid scratching the rash and blisters as much as they can. Breaking the skin or bursting the blisters can cause infection and further complications.

Shingles is not contagious but is the reactivation of a virus already present in the body.

However, a person with shingles can give chickenpox to someone who has never had the VZV infection before.

Therefore, people with shingles should avoid contact with those who have never had chickenpox until their rash has completely healed. To catch the virus, someone must have direct contact with the rash.

To avoid spreading VZV, people with shingles should:

• Avoid close contact with people who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated for chickenpox.
• Avoid close contact with low birth-weight infants and people with a compromised immune system, such as those on HIV medication or who have had an organ transplant.
• Keep the rash covered with loose, natural clothing to avoid others coming into contact with it.
• Wash their hands frequently, especially after touching the rash or applying lotions to the skin.

Share on PinterestPeople over 50 should get a vaccination against shingles.

There is a vaccination available to reduce the risk of developing shingles and experiencing long-term complications, such as PHN.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aged 50 years and older have two doses of the Shingrex vaccination over a 2-6 month period. It is believed to be more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN.

People who have already had shingles can have the vaccine to prevent future occurrences.

Up to a third of the population in the U.S. is affected by shingles. Symptoms vary in their severity and duration. Early intervention is key in reducing symptom severity and avoiding complications, such as PHN.

Therefore, people should see their doctor, as soon as possible, if they have heightened skin sensitivity or develop a rash or blisters. Several home remedies can alleviate shingle symptoms when used in conjunction with medical treatments.

People should consider having the shingles vaccination to reduce their risk of getting shingles and long-term nerve pain.

How long does shingles last? Timeline and treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Shingles causes a painful rash, itching, and burning skin followed by oozing blisters. Shingles lasts 3–5 weeks in most cases, and the blisters usually take around 10 days to heal. After it heals, most people will not have shingles again.

Shingles is a viral infection that affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States. Around half of all shingles cases occur in adults over 60 years old.

It can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox, as both shingles and chickenpox are caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus remains in the body after chickenpox has cleared and can reactivate at any time, leading to shingles.

Shingles symptoms tend to develop on one side of the face or body. They often affect just a small area. The most common location is on the side of the waist, although they can occur anywhere.

Share on PinterestA red rash usually forms after several days of early symptoms.

Several days before a rash appears, shingles may cause skin sensitivity or pain. Further early symptoms include:

• general discomfort
• hot skin
• irritation
• itching
• numbness
• tingling

Within the next 1 to 5 days, a red rash will normally form around the sensitive area. A few days later, fluid-filled blisters will develop at the site of the rash.

The blisters will ooze before drying up, typically within 10 days of appearing. At this point, scabs will form on the skin, tending to heal within 2 weeks.

There may be other symptoms accompanying the skin sensitivity and rash, including:

• chills
• fatigue
• fever
• headache
• malaise or feeling of being unwell
• nausea
• sensitivity to light

A person’s vision may be affected if the shingles occurs near the eyes.

It should be noted that shingles symptoms range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing itching and mild discomfort and others having intense pain.

Most cases of shingles resolve without causing long-term effects. However, potential complications include:

Post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN)

Post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN) is a common complication of shingles. It refers to nerve damage that causes pain and burning that persists after the shingles infection is gone.

Some sources suggest that up to 20 percent of people who get shingles develop PHN with older adults thought to be especially at risk.

Treating PHN is difficult, and the symptoms can last for years. However, most people fully recover within 12 months.

It is not known why some people who have shingles go on to develop PHN. The risk factors for PHN include:

• a weakened immune system
• having pain during the early stages of a shingles infection
• advanced age
• having severe shingles that covers a large portion of the skin

According to some research, older women who get severe pain and rash symptoms may have a 50 percent chance of developing PHN.

Other complications

Other potential complications of shingles include:

• bacterial infections of the skin
• facial paralysis
• hearing loss
• hepatitis
• loss of taste
• pneumonia
• ringing in the ears
• vertigo, a type of dizziness
• vision problems

Share on PinterestOver-the-counter or prescription medication may be recommended to treat shingles.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as a person notices the symptoms of shingles.

The National Institute on Aging recommend that people seek medical treatment no later than 3 days after the rash appears. Early treatment can limit pain, help the rash heal quicker, and may reduce scarring.

Once a doctor confirms shingles, they may suggest the following treatments:

Antiviral drugs

These ease symptoms, speed up recovery, and may prevent complications. A course of antiviral medications is usually prescribed for 7 to 10 days. Options include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax)
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 3 days of the rash onset, although they may still be prescribed within the first 7 days of the rash appearing.

Painkillers and antihistamines

Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications may reduce pain and skin irritation. Options include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• antihistamines for itching, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• corticosteroids or local anesthetics for severe pain
• numbing products, including lidocaine (Lidoderm)

Some of these medications are available for purchase online, including ibuprofen, antihistamines, and lidocaine.

Antidepressants

Certain antidepressant drugs have been proven effective in reducing shingles pain, as well as symptoms of PHN.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are most commonly prescribed for shingles pain, including:

• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)

It can take several weeks or months before antidepressants work for nerve pain.

Anticonvulsant medications

Although typically used to treat epilepsy, some anticonvulsant drugs may reduce nerve pain. Again, these can take several weeks to take effect. Commonly prescribed anticonvulsants for shingles include:

• gabapentin (Neurontin)
• pregabalin (Lyrica)

In addition to seeking medical treatment, people can take other steps to alleviate their symptoms and reduce discomfort. These include:

• getting enough sleep and rest
• using a wet compress on the itchy and inflamed skin and blisters
• reducing stress through a healthy lifestyle, meditation, and deep breathing exercises
• wearing loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton.
• taking an oatmeal bath
• applying calamine lotion to the skin

People should avoid scratching the rash and blisters as much as they can. Breaking the skin or bursting the blisters can cause infection and further complications.

Shingles is not contagious but is the reactivation of a virus already present in the body.

However, a person with shingles can give chickenpox to someone who has never had the VZV infection before.

Therefore, people with shingles should avoid contact with those who have never had chickenpox until their rash has completely healed. To catch the virus, someone must have direct contact with the rash.

To avoid spreading VZV, people with shingles should:

• Avoid close contact with people who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated for chickenpox.
• Avoid close contact with low birth-weight infants and people with a compromised immune system, such as those on HIV medication or who have had an organ transplant.
• Keep the rash covered with loose, natural clothing to avoid others coming into contact with it.
• Wash their hands frequently, especially after touching the rash or applying lotions to the skin.

Share on PinterestPeople over 50 should get a vaccination against shingles.

There is a vaccination available to reduce the risk of developing shingles and experiencing long-term complications, such as PHN.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aged 50 years and older have two doses of the Shingrex vaccination over a 2-6 month period. It is believed to be more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN.

People who have already had shingles can have the vaccine to prevent future occurrences.

Up to a third of the population in the U.S. is affected by shingles. Symptoms vary in their severity and duration. Early intervention is key in reducing symptom severity and avoiding complications, such as PHN.

Therefore, people should see their doctor, as soon as possible, if they have heightened skin sensitivity or develop a rash or blisters. Several home remedies can alleviate shingle symptoms when used in conjunction with medical treatments.

People should consider having the shingles vaccination to reduce their risk of getting shingles and long-term nerve pain.

Treatment of herpes zoster in St. Petersburg. Treatment of herpes zoster type 3 in adults and children.

Everyone knows that in childhood such a disease as chickenpox proceeds quite easily – a few days in green spots and that’s it. But few compare “chickenpox” vesicles with herpes. But this is just a vivid reaction to the first meeting with the type 3 herpes virus. So it turns out that after an illness, we not only acquire immunity to chickenpox (or chickenpox), but also become carriers of the virus. And it is possible that after a few decades you will have to find out what the treatment of shingles is.

“Crawling belt or belt” – so you can literally translate the name of the disease Herpes Zoster. And the use of the word “lichen” is explained simply – this is how any rash in the form of nodules or vesicles is designated. In ancient times, it was believed that this disease either goes away on its own or torments a person for a long time. Now there is an effective treatment for herpes zoster, which, of course, will protect against complications and the transition to a chronic form.

As practice shows, only in exceptional cases the disease is not accompanied by severe pain and ends in a couple of weeks. As a rule, even with adequate treatment and the absence of complications, it takes at least a month to recover.

Symptoms and treatment of herpes zoster

Most often, this virus settles in the nerve cells of the spinal cord, and its favorite location is the thoracic and lumbar regions. If for some reason the virus becomes active, then, multiplying, it reaches the end of the nerve and the organ that this nerve innervates.

Again, the classic picture is that the virus moves along the intercostal nerves, hence both symptoms and treatment of herpes zoster in adult varicella virus carriers in most cases are associated with pain and rashes in the chest, abdomen and lower back.

• It all starts like any viral disease – general weakness, fever and in the very first days no signs of a rash. During this period, the treatment of herpes type 3 is not carried out due to the ambiguity of the picture;
• A distinctive feature of the initial stage is some itching, tingling and pain (often severe) in places where rashes will later appear. These are neuralgic pains that appear due to damage to the peripheral nerves by the virus;
• Often at this stage, errors in the diagnosis occur, since the skin is still clean, and doctors take sharp pains for angina pectoris, pleurisy, or even a lung infarction. Of course, without observing the symptoms characteristic of the disease and the treatment of herpes zoster, doctors do not prescribe;
• Soon, pinkish swellings appear on the skin, and after 3-4 days, rashes characteristic of herpes in the form of bubbles rapidly form on them. In this case, the pain syndrome, as a rule, remains pronounced, and the treatment of herpes zoster in adult patients in this case implies not only exposure to the virus, but also analgesic therapy;
• If the disease proceeds without complications, then after about a week the bubbles “burst” and dry up, as usual, leaving a crust on the affected area. And, as in childhood during chickenpox, these crusts do not need to be removed – the formation of wounds is possible, into which a bacterial infection can easily get.