What are the symptoms of shingles?

Rash: Normally there is a rash that may appear as red bumps that can be small and look like clusters of blisters. It usually follows a patter and is on one side of the body or one extremity. Symptoms can start as pain only or some itching or irritation of the skin before the rash appears. Early treatment can help shorten the rash and pain. See your PCP.

Shingles may first…: start as a burning sensation in the skin before a patch of blisters appear; blisters are red and somewhat resemble a patch of poison ivy contact. Blisters (like those in chickenpox) break & then scab over. If left untreated, the nerve(s) involved may produce severe pain lasting days to weeks. So treatment at the first appearance of rash is very important, esp. if eye area is involved. See doc ASAP