What does shingles on the face or around the eye look like?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a condition that can cause a rash with blisters on the skin. When it affects the face or area around the eye, it usually appears as a red, painful rash with blisters that can be very itchy.

• Location: The rash often appears on one side of the face or around one eye.
• Symptoms: It can be very painful and itchy, and some people may feel a tingling or burning sensation before the rash appears.

Shingles happens because of the same virus that causes chickenpox. After someone has chickenpox, the virus can stay in their body and come back later as shingles. The pain and itchiness from shingles can be severe, and sometimes people may continue to feel these symptoms even after the rash goes away. This ongoing pain or itch is known as postherpetic itch.

If you think you have shingles, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider to get the right treatment and prevent complications, especially when it is near the eye.