Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Diagnosis

Shingles can be difficult to diagnose before visible signs of the disease appear. Once a rash and blisters appear, your doctor probably will diagnose shingles based on your symptoms and the appearance of your skin. Rarely, when the diagnosis is less certain, the doctor may scrape tissue, collect cells from the affected skin and examine them under a microscope for cellular changes consistent with a herpes zoster infection (called a Tzanck preparation).

If you have a rash across the bridge of your nose or anywhere near your eyes, your doctor will include an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) in your care.

Expected Duration

Shingles usually takes 7 to 10 days to run its course, although blisters may take several weeks to disappear completely. Your skin will return to normal in about four weeks, but pain may continue for far longer. Most people's pain decreases within two or three months. Fewer than 1% to 3% of people are affected for longer than one year.