Private shingles clinic in London, same-day dermatology.

Recognising it

Shingles usually begins with burning, tingling, itching or unusual sensitivity in one area of skin, often two to three days before anything is visible. A rash then appears in a band on one side of the body or face, following the path of a single nerve. It does not cross the midline. Blisters form, then dry and crust over roughly seven to ten days later.

Easing it

• Paracetamol is the usual first choice. Shingles pain is nerve pain and often needs more — tell us if simple painkillers are not controlling it, as there are effective alternatives.
• Keep the rash clean and dry. Wear loose cotton clothing to reduce rubbing.
• A cool compress several times a day soothes the area. Do not use heat.
• Do not use antibiotic cream, which slows healing. Calamine lotion can relieve itching.
• Cover the rash with a loose, non-sticky dressing when you are around other people.
• Try not to scratch or burst the blisters — this increases scarring and the risk of bacterial infection.

Who you need to stay away from

You cannot catch shingles from someone. But someone who has never had chickenpox, and has not been vaccinated against it, can catch chickenpox from contact with your blister fluid.

• Until the rash has fully crusted over, avoid pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, newborn babies, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
• Keeping the rash covered greatly reduces the risk to others.
• You are not infectious once every blister has dried and crusted.
• You do not need to stay off work or school provided the rash can be covered and you feel well enough — unless your work brings you into contact with the groups above.

Nerve pain afterwards

Some people are left with pain in the area after the rash has healed, known as post-herpetic neuralgia. It is more common with increasing age and with more severe initial pain. It usually improves over months, and there are specific treatments that work far better than ordinary painkillers — so it is worth coming back rather than enduring it.