Quantcast In zoster (shingles), tingling, itching, or pain can precede the skin outbreak. The typical early onset of zoster (shingles) includes blisters in groups. The blisters often have a central depression. Typical of zoster (shingles), this image displays grouped blisters with central depressions in a red, band-like distribution. Grouped, depressed blisters on a red base are typical of zoster (shingles). This image displays blisters that are grouped in a band from the chest to the back but does not cross the middle of the body, which is typical of zoster (shingles). Shingles typically has numerous grouped, small and/or large blisters, as displayed in this image. This image displays zoster (shingles) with blisters that are crusting and starting to heal. This image displays healing zoster (shingles) with the bloody crusts from the blisters beginning to fall off, leaving small skin erosions. This image displays clear, fluid-filled blisters on a background of inflamed skin typical of early zoster (shingles). The varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles can cause scarring of the cornea of your eye.
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Shingles (Zoster):
Information for adults

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Picture of Shingles (Zoster): In zoster (shingles), tingling, itching, or pain can precede the skin outbreak. Divider line
In zoster (shingles), tingling, itching, or pain can precede the skin outbreak.
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
Oral antiviral medication may help if given soon after shingles appears, including:
  • Acyclovir
  • Valacyclovir
  • Famciclovir
Oral corticosteroids and strong pain medications may be needed. If the area is healed and there is only some remaining (residual) pain, a topical medication called capsaicin, or a local anesthetic patch containing lidocaine, may be suggested. More severe residual pain may be treated with mood-elevating (antidepressant) or seizure-preventing (anticonvulsant) medications.

Last Modified: 29 Feb 2008

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