Shingles & Post-Herpetic Pain: what it is and how we help

Shingles and post-herpetic pain at a glance

Shingles is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which lies dormant in the nerves. It usually appears as a band of blisters on one side of the body. Most people recover within a month, but some develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN): nerve pain that continues after the rash has healed. Early antiviral treatment and good pain management reduce that risk.

Symptoms of shingles

• Tingling, burning or pain in one area, days before the rash
• A red rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters, on one side only
• Fever, headache and feeling unwell
• After healing, lasting burning or stabbing pain and skin sensitivity (PHN)

Who gets shingles?

Anyone who has had chickenpox. It is more common over 50 and in people with weakened immunity. The NHS offers a shingles vaccine to eligible adults, which reduces the risk of shingles and PHN.

How is it treated?

Antiviral medication started within 72 hours of the rash helps. PHN is treated with specific nerve pain medicines, skin patches and creams prescribed by your GP.

How we help with post-herpetic pain in Chiswick

• Acupuncture: small studies suggest it may reduce pain in shingles and PHN; used alongside medical treatment once the rash has healed.
• Red light therapy: laser therapy has been studied for nerve pain after shingles, with some encouraging results.
• Ayurveda: soothing therapies and recovery support.
• Blood tests: checking general health and immunity markers after illness.

Is shingles contagious?

You cannot catch shingles from someone, but a person who has never had chickenpox can catch chickenpox from direct contact with the fluid in shingles blisters. You are contagious until all the blisters have crusted over, usually after five to seven days. Keeping the rash covered and avoiding pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, newborn babies and people with weakened immunity reduces the risk.

How long does shingles last?

The rash usually crusts over within about a week and heals within two to four weeks. Pain often eases as the rash heals, but for some people, especially those over 60, it continues for months as post-herpetic neuralgia.

Who can get the shingles vaccine?

The NHS offers the shingles vaccine to adults when they reach certain ages and to people with a severely weakened immune system, and eligibility has been widening in stages. Your GP surgery can tell you whether you are eligible. The vaccine reduces the risk of shingles and of long-lasting nerve pain.

What to expect at Omnia

We see people once the rash has fully healed. Your first appointment covers the history of your shingles, where the pain is, how it affects sleep and daily life, and any medication you take. Treatment may include acupuncture and red light therapy, adjusted to how sensitive your skin is, alongside relaxation support, and it works with your GP's pain management plan.

What you can do at home

• Keep the rash clean and dry and wear loose clothing
• Avoid contact with pregnant women and babies until blisters crust over
• Use cool compresses for comfort
• Ask your GP whether you are eligible for the shingles vaccine

Related: trigeminal neuralgia. Omnia Lifestyle, Chiswick W4. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.