Mild pain and discomfort

For some people, shingles it is very like chickenpox: the rash may sting and then itch as it heals. Cool water compresses or wrapping ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas in a towel and pressing it on the rash can help.

Calamine or menthol lotions and ordinary painkillers, like paracetamol, can also help. Try and keep your rash clean, but don't use scented oils or soap on it too much, as that will prevent healing.

Long-term pain

The pain from shingles can be severe and last weeks or months after the blisters have healed. This pain can be difficult to treat, but the earlier you see your doctor and get treatment, the more effective it could be.

Long-term pain happens when your nerves are damaged from the flare up of the virus. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN and older people are more likely to be affected.

People with PHN often suffer from intense pain as the damaged nerves send confused messages to the brain. It is usually described as a tender, burning pain but some people say that it is 'aching', 'throbbing' or 'stabbing'. Clothes rubbing against the body or the effect of wind on the face can make the pain unbearable. People suffering from PHN can also suffer from depression, weight loss and difficulty in sleeping.