How Long Do the Symptoms of Shingles Take to Develop?

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is a painful skin rash that occurs during adulthood, and is most common in people over 60 years of age. Estimates show that up to 100,000 Americans are affected by shingles each year.

First Symptom

The first symptom of shingles occurs several days to a week prior to the rash and includes a burning pain on the skin.

Rash

The rash will look like small blisters with a red base. New blisters will form over a course of 3 to 5 days. Shingles often occur on one side of the body only.

Healing

Once the blisters begin to pop and crust over, healing begins. This phase may last for about 2 or 3 weeks.

Treatment

Shingles can be treated by antiviral medications, pain reducers, an aluminum acetate solution and an anti-itch lotion.

Complications

While it is not common, infection can occur in shingles blisters, which require the use of antibiotics to treat.