3 Signs Your Rash Is Actually Shingles

Early detection of shingles can lead to better treatment outcomes. The CDC states that the best time to start antiviral treatments for shingles is “as soon as possible after the rash appears.” 

One challenge is that many conditions can cause rashes, and some rashes are not a big deal. That’s why it’s helpful to be able to distinguish between a shingles rash and other types of rashes.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

There are three key ways to recognize shingles.

1. A tingling or painful sensation on one area of the body

“Before the rash, some people notice a tingling or a painful sensation, right in an area that's on one side of your body,” says Peter DeMarco, MD, Family Medicine Physician at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

This tingling is usually where the rash later appears.

2. A blistering, painful rash in a band or stripe on one side of the body

Some rashes are only cosmetic, and others may itch. One of the things that makes the shingles rash unique is that it is often very painful. It can sometimes be itchy as well.

A shingles rash also appears in a stripe-shaped cluster of blistering bumps. The shingles rash is generally on one side of the torso, abdomen, shoulder, back, or face.

The blisters usually scab over after about a week, but it may take weeks or months for the rash to fully clear up. 

3. Flu-like symptoms (sometimes)

Like with other viral infections, shingles sometimes comes with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, or upset stomach. This is less common and many people only experience the rash.

What should you do if you recognize symptoms of shingles?

“If you notice the rash [that] you're worried about becoming shingles, the most important thing would be to go see your primary care doctor to see if that's what it is,” says Dr. DeMarco, “and if so, what to do about it.”