What are the symptoms?

The rash is similar to the rash of chickenpox, except that it does not cover the whole body. It follows the line of a nerve and the area involved is specific to the area covered by the nerve involved i.e. the face or side of the chest.

Normally, the rash begins with red raised spots which quickly become filled with clear fluid which turns cloudy. The rash then begins to crust. As the spots are close together they often join up.

An important feature of shingles is the severe pain it often produces, both during the acute stage and for some time afterwards. This is often more pronounced in the elderly.


How does shingles spread?
You cannot catch shingles from an affected person, however it is infectious and can cause chickenpox in susceptible individuals not previously exposed to the virus. The route is by direct contact with the fluid from the spots.