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The classic features of shingles symptoms are pain and a red rash. Shingles is common viral infection that causes a very painful rash. Shingles is caused by the chicken pox virus known as varicella zoster. In most people who get chicken pox, the virus disappears after the initial infection. However, in other unfortunate people, the virus remains in the body and hides in the nerves. Later after many decades, the virus becomes activated and presents with a painful rash. The rash can occur anywhere on the body but in most individuals, it tends to occur along the nerve distribution. In humans, the most common location of this painful rash is just beneath the armpit and extends to the back and forward to the nipples. In other individuals, the virus will cause a circular rash around the eye.
Shingles and symptoms are not life threatening but the infection can be extremely painful and may recur. Today, there are vaccines available that can help shorten the duration of shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications.

Symptoms of the shingles virus are obvious. The pain and rash typically occur on side of the body. Pain is the universal symptom and is generally pretty intense; it feels like burning hot pain. Associated with pain may be areas of numbness and tingling. The pain can be so severe that one cannot sleep nor do any type of work.
Soon after the pain, some individuals develop a red rash. The red rash usually becomes more prominent 24-48 hours after the onset of pain. Also visible are vesicles or small blisters that contain fluid. These blisters appear in a linear fashion and are quite tender to touch. With time, the fluid filled blisters break open and become dry or crusted.
Itching is quite common when the blisters appear. The itch is often intense at night and can result in scratch marks.
Almost everyone with symptoms of the shingles virus will feel ill. Some individuals will also develop fevers and chills. These symptoms usually last for a day or two. Other general symptoms of shingles include fatigue and tiredness. Other minor symptoms include a constant headache and loss of appetite.
The majority of individuals with symptoms of shingles visit a doctor because of pain, which can be intense. Often the pain is mistaken for a heart attack or a problem with the lung. Some people with shingles and symptoms may not have any evidence of a rash and the diagnosis can be difficult. In some elderly individuals, shingles can occur around the eye and can be obvious. The individuals usually have trouble with vision, excessive tearing and the face on one side is usually reddened.
Moreover, shingles can easily be transmitted to other individuals in the family who have a weakened immune system, or those who are using steroids or have HIV. When the shingles virus is acquired by these individuals, it causes chicken pox and not shingles.
Shingles symptoms can be managed at home but sometimes the rash many occur around the eye and affect vision; if this is left untreated permanent eye damage can occur.