Brits are being urged not to ignore a "burning" or "pins-and-needles" feeling on their skin, as shingles cases are reportedly increasing in the UK, according to the Royal College of GPs Research and Surveillance Centre.
The virus, traditionally seen in older people, is now appearing more frequently among younger adults. A doctor warns that early clues can show up before any rash is visible, leading many to mistakenly dismiss it as minor.
Early symptoms
Dr Alexander Joshue Acosta Peñafiel, a medical consultant who has treated many shingles patients, says acting quickly can make the difference between a swift recovery and prolonged pain. He cautions that people often delay treatment while waiting for the classic rash, losing valuable time.
The key message is to respond to the first hint that something is off, especially if symptoms appear on only one side of the body. One of the biggest red flags is an odd sensation that creeps in days before the outbreak. "Days before a rash develops, a burning or tingling sensation may occur," Dr Alexander said. Some people describe numbness or the feeling of ants crawling on the skin, while others notice unusual sensitivity or itchiness in an area that looks normal.
Research suggests that almost one in three people will get shingles at some point in their lives. It is the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, varicella-zoster, which remains dormant in nerve tissues after childhood chickenpox. "This virus never goes away completely after an individual has had chickenpox during his or her childhood. It remains dormant in nerve tissues for years or even decades until it is reactivated," Dr Alexander explained.
Causes and triggers
Exactly what triggers reactivation is not fully understood, but doctors have linked flare-ups to a weakened immune system. Stress, ageing, and illness are commonly mentioned as potential triggers.
Treatment
According to the NHS, treatment for shingles depends on the severity of symptoms and risk of complications. Patients with only a mild rash may not need treatment, while others may be offered antiviral medication to speed recovery. Dr Alexander says medication is "most effective" if started within 72 hours of the rash appearing. He cited a patient who began antivirals on day one and was normal by day seven, compared to another who waited ten days and now has nerve pain.
For those with shingles, the NHS recommends taking paracetamol to ease pain, keeping the rash clean and dry to reduce infection risk, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and using a cool compress a few times a day. The rash can take up to four weeks to heal, and skin pain may persist for weeks after the rash has gone, but usually improves over time.
