If you think you may have shingles, speak to your healthcare professional as soon as possible. They may prescribe appropriate medicines to help reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms.1
Until you are able to see your doctor, follow these self-help tips:1
- Keep the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Use a cool compress a few times a day
Seek urgent medical advice if you develop shingles around your eyes.1
You may be contagious until the vesicles have scabbed over. Patients with shingles should avoid coming into contact with:1
- Pregnant women who have never had chickenpox
- Immunocompromised patients
- Babies less than one month old
If you are concerned about shingles please speak with your healthcare professional.
Don’t let shingles put your life on hold
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“Shingles? I thought I was too
young. I was wrong. The pain
made me want to rip my skin off.
I really struggled to sleep.
I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? It was the worst
experience of my life. There were
these terrible blisters, which felt
like my skin was on fire. I thought
I was too young for shingles.”*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? I’ve never felt
pain like it, and I’ve had
three kids. Most days I
didn’t leave the house.”*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? I thought it was
for older people. It really
slowed my life down."*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? I had no idea
someone healthy like me
could get it. It was the
worst experience of my life."*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
“Shingles? There were these
terrible blisters. I really
struggled to sleep."*
*Inspired by real patient stories. Shingles pain can last weeks or even months.
Shingles symptoms may vary among patients.1
Patient portrayal.
All images across the webpage are patient portrayals.
References
- HSE advice on shingles Shingles: symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments - HSE.ie last accessed August 2025.
