Shingles is a highly painful rash caused by the Varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus which causes chickenpox. Once you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body in a dormant state. When the Varicella-zoster virus becomes active again later in life, you may get shingles. The best treatment for shingles is prevention. Get the vaccination at Touchwood pharmacy in Ramsgate and Kent.

What is the first sign of shingles?

The rash usually occurs on either side of the body, in a line along a nerve pathway. The rash starts as a tingling feeling in the area but then becomes a cluster of small pinkish-red spots which often blister. The rash can be quite painful. Rashes from shingles can last at least 2–4 weeks, however the nerve pain can last for a couple of months. For most people, the pain linked with the rash decreases as it heals. Other common symptoms of shingles can include a headache, fever, upset stomach and chills. In rare cases severe complexities can occur including pneumonia, hearing problems, brain inflammation, blindness and even death.