THE SHINGLES RASH CAN LAST UP TO 30 DAYS. IT CAN FEEL AS BAD AS IT LOOKS. The Shingles rash forms where the nerves from the spinal cord connect with the skin. This area is called a dermatome. Usually the rash will only appear along a dermatome located on one side of the body. The Shingles rash is red and blistering, and can last up to 30 days. In many cases, it causes pain that has been described as sharp, shooting and throbbing. The rash can also be unusually sensitive to the touch. Shingles can cause serious complications. In some cases, people with Shingles may also develop long-term nerve pain, meaning that pain can last for months or even years after the rash has healed. This is called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN. As you get older, the risk of developing PHN is greater. Here are some facts about Shingles: • There are more than 1 million cases of Shingles each year in the United States. • 1 in 3 people will get Shingles during their lifetime. • 1 in every 4 people who get Shingles will experience some type of complication. ) Here are some photos of the Shingles rash, which can take up to 30 days to heal. With a mild Shingles rash, a few blisters appear on the skin. This photo shows a mild case on the hand. With a moderate Shingles rash, a cluster of blisters form, often along one side of the torso, as shown. With a severe Shingles rash, blisters can merge into a large area resembling a burn. Here, the eye is affected by the rash, which can sometimes lead to impaired vision. The pain that accompanies the rash can range from mild to severe. It's hard to predict how severe Shingles will be. So talk to a pharmacist about your risk for Shingles soon.