Infection Prevention and Control Team
Lanchester Road Hospital
Lanchester Road
Durham
DH5 1RD
Phone: 0191 333 3584
Email: [email protected]
What is shingles?
Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus and is an infection that causes a painful rash.
Shingles can last for around 2 to 4 weeks.
Signs and symptoms?
- Tingling or painful feeling on the skin (this may happen several days before the rash appears).
- A headache, feeling generally unwell, chills and upset stomach.
- A rash occurs in a single stripe or blotches around either the left or the right side of the body.
- In other cases, the rash can occur on one side of the face.
- The rash then develops into itchy blisters.
How did I get shingles?
When people have had the chickenpox virus it remains in the body. It can be reactivated later and cause shingles due to a change in a person’s immune system. This could include stress, certain conditions, or treatments like chemotherapy.
It is possible to have shingles more than once, but rare to have it more than twice.
How does it spread?
It is not possible to catch shingles from someone who has shingles. Direct contact with the fluid from your blisters can spread the virus to people who have never had chickenpox.
People with shingles cannot spread the virus before their rash blisters appear or after the rash crusts.
How is shingles treated?
Several antiviral medicines are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness. You should begin to take these medications as soon as possible after the rash appears.
In healthcare premises you may be nursed in a single room if there is a risk of infection to other patients. For any discomfort or pain, you can be prescribed painkillers.
If you think you have been exposed to someone who has shingles and you are either pregnant or have a weakened immune system and have not had chickenpox before, please contact your doctor.
Do
- Do take paracetamol to ease the pain.
- Do keep the rash covered, clean and dry to reduce risk of infection.
- Do wear loose fitting clothing.
- Do use a cool compress a few times a day.
- Do wash hands after touching the rash.
Don’t
- Don’t let dressings or plasters stick to the rash.
- Don’t use antibiotic cream as this slows the healing.
- Don’t share towels or face cloths.
Complications of shingles
Most people recover from shingles without any problems. But it can sometimes cause complications, such as:
- the rash becoming infected, which may need to be treated with antibiotics.
- scarring or changes in skin colour after the rash has healed.
- pain lasting for several months after the shingles rash has gone.
You can reduce the risk of complications by getting treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start.
When can I return to work/school?
You should not attend work or school if your rash is still weeping (oozing fluid) and cannot be covered, or until the rash has dried out.
Where can I get further information?
If you require further information, please ask the ward staff or the infection prevention and control nurse.
Feedback
Please let your care team know if you want to comment on whether:
- this information is useful
- any information is missing
- you do not understand the information
Do you have concerns or complaints?
If you have concerns or complaints about a service, you can:
- tell a member of staff
- call our complaints team – freephone 0800 052 0219
- email [email protected]
Information in other languages and formats
All our website and leaflet information can be made available in many formats. Please ask a member of staff if you would like this information in another language, large print, audio or braille.
