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Overview
Shingles starts with burning pain, then blisters in a band.
Pain can last after the rash heals.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayRash near the eye, or weak immune system.
See a doctor soonAny one-sided painful rash.
Causes
Caused by the chickenpox virus waking up.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause painful rash on one side of body. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- ShinglesOften needs care today
A painful rash, usually in a band on one side of the body, caused by the chickenpox virus reawakening.
What you can do at home
- Keep the rash covered.
- Use cool compresses.
Medicines
Antivirals help. Pain medicines for nerve pain.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Rash
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- Swab test if unclear
Prevention
Get vaccinated.
- Shingles vaccine at 50+
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.