What Does Shingles Look Like?

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Many people know shingles as a painful skin rash that often appears on one side of the body. It’s important to understand what shingles looks like in order to recognize the condition and get treatment.

Early Stages of Shingles

The early stages of shingles usually begin with pain and itching on the skin. This is followed by a tingling, burning or sharp pain in the same area. The area may also be sensitive to touch or become swollen and red. These sensations can pre-date the skin rash, so it’s important to pay attention to any unusual feelings on the skin, even if they don’t look like a rash.

Skin Rash

The most common symptom of shingles is a rash that appears as a band or a patch on one side of the body. It can range in size from a few millimeters to a few meters across. The rash typically consists of bumps, blisters, or scabs and can be very itchy. The bumps can start off small, like a pimple, and then grow larger as the disease progresses. The blisters usually break open and form a crusty scab after a few days.

In some cases, the shingles rash may not have any visible blisters. Instead, it may look more like a red patch with a raised border. This type of rash is known as a “viral urticaria”.

Shingles can also cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever and muscle aches. In some cases, it can even cause complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis. If you suspect that you may have shingles, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Your doctor can diagnose the condition and prescribe treatment to help relieve your symptoms and prevent complications.