Kayap (shingles, or herpes zoster) is a painful rash with blisters that usually appears in a band on one side of the body, caused by the chickenpox virus becoming active again. It often starts with tingling or burning pain in one area of skin, followed a few days later by red blotches that turn into blisters, dry out and scab. The rash usually heals within 4 weeks, but pain can last longer. Antiviral medicine works best if started within 3 days of the rash appearing, so see a doctor or pharmacist early, and urgently if the rash is near your eye. You cannot catch shingles from someone else, but people who have never had chickenpox can catch chickenpox from the blisters. A vaccine can greatly lower your risk.
Apa itu kayap? What is shingles?
Kayap is the Malay name for shingles, which doctors call herpes zoster. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox (cacar air). After you have had chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in your nerves. Years later it can become active again and travel along a nerve to the skin, causing a painful rash in the area that nerve supplies.
In Malaysia, people also use everyday names such as kayap ular and kayap air for this painful blistering rash. Whatever it is called, a painful band of blisters on one side of the body is typical of shingles.
A common myth is that kayap becomes deadly if the rash "joins up" around the body. According to the NHS, the shingles rash appears on one side of the body only, and a rash on both the left and right sides is unlikely to be shingles. That said, kayap can still cause serious problems, especially near the eye, so it should not be ignored.
Tanda kayap: what are the symptoms?
According to the NHS, shingles usually develops in stages:
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Early signs | Tingling or pain in one area of skin, sometimes with a headache or feeling generally unwell |
| A few days later: rash | Blotches appear on one side of the body, most often the chest and tummy, but it can be anywhere, including the face, eyes and genitals. On brown skin the redness can be harder to see |
| Blisters | The blotches become itchy blisters that ooze fluid |
| Scabs and healing | A few days later the blisters dry out and scab. The rash can take up to 4 weeks to heal, and the skin may stay painful after it has gone |
In rare cases, shingles causes pain without a rash. Pain is the most common symptom: a review of studies from Southeast Asia found that 74% to 100% of patients with shingles reported pain. The early headache and tiredness can be mistaken for other illnesses; see our guide to migrain and sakit kepala for how headaches differ.
Punca kayap: why does shingles happen?
Shingles happens in people who have had chickenpox before. The NHS says the virus can become active again if your immune system is weakened, for example because of:
- older age: shingles and its complications become more common as you get older;
- stress;
- certain medical conditions that weaken the immune system, such as some blood cancers or HIV;
- treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, organ or stem cell transplants, or medicines that suppress the immune system.
You cannot catch shingles from someone with shingles or chickenpox. It comes from the virus already in your own body.
Is kayap contagious?
Not as shingles. But the fluid in the blisters contains the chickenpox virus, so someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine can catch chickenpox from you. According to the NHS:
- you can only spread the virus while the rash is oozing fluid;
- cover the rash with loose clothing or a non-sticky dressing;
- stay off work or school if the rash is still weeping and cannot be covered, until it has dried out;
- avoid pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, people with a weakened immune system (such as those having chemotherapy) and babies under 1 month old.
Ubat kayap: treatment and home care
Antiviral medicine. A doctor or pharmacist may prescribe antiviral tablets to speed up recovery and lower the risk of longer-lasting problems. They work best if started within 3 days of the rash appearing. According to the NHS, antivirals are usually offered if you have a weakened immune system, your pain or rash is moderate or severe, or the rash is somewhere other than your chest, tummy or back (for example, your face). A mild rash may not need antiviral treatment.
Pain relief. Paracetamol can ease pain. A doctor may also prescribe stronger painkillers, steroid tablets or medicines for nerve pain.
What you can do at home, according to the NHS:
- keep the rash clean and dry to lower the risk of infection;
- wear loose-fitting clothing, avoiding rough fabrics that irritate the skin; light cotton is comfortable in Malaysia's heat;
- use a cool compress, such as ice wrapped in a towel or a wet cloth, a few times a day;
- do not let dressings or plasters stick to the rash.
Traditional remedies. Avoid putting pastes, powders or herbs on the blisters: the NHS advises keeping the rash clean and dry to lower the risk of infection, and do not delay seeing a doctor in the first 3 days, when antiviral medicine helps most. If you want to use a supplement or traditional product, check that it is registered (see how to verify KKM registration) and tell your doctor.
Complications and long-lasting pain
Most people recover without problems. But the NHS lists these possible complications:
- post-herpetic neuralgia: nerve pain that lasts for months after the rash has gone;
- the rash becoming infected, which may need antibiotics;
- scarring or changes in skin colour;
- muscle weakness;
- eye problems, which can lead to loss of sight;
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare complication where shingles affects the facial nerve, causing weakness on one side of the face and sometimes hearing problems.
A review of studies from Southeast Asia found complications in 10.2% to 21.2% of patients with shingles.
Post-herpetic neuralgia can cause burning, aching or sharp pain, and skin so sensitive that light touch or temperature changes hurt. It is more likely if the shingles was severe or covered a large area, and in older people and people with diabetes or a weakened immune system. It usually improves gradually, from a few months to over a year. A doctor can prescribe nerve pain medicines or lidocaine plasters. Loose cotton clothes, cool showers and ice packs wrapped in a cloth can help, and if pain is keeping you awake, see our guide to susah tidur.
Vaksin kayap: the shingles vaccine
You can get shingles more than once, so vaccination is worth considering even if you have had it before. Shingles vaccines lower your chance of getting shingles and of serious problems if you do get it.
- In a large trial of 15,411 adults aged 50 and over, a two-dose recombinant (non-live) shingles vaccine lowered the risk of shingles by 97.2% over about 3 years.
- In a second trial in adults aged 70 and over, it lowered the risk by 89.8%.
Shingles vaccines are available in Malaysia, including a live attenuated vaccine approved in Malaysia in December 2022. An expert workshop on Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, noted low awareness of shingles and its impact among both patients and health professionals. Ask your doctor whether a vaccine suits you, especially if you are 50 or older or have a weakened immune system.
When to see a doctor urgently
See a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible, ideally within 3 days of the rash appearing, if you think you have kayap. Get urgent medical advice, according to the NHS, if you have symptoms of shingles and:
- the rash is on or near your eye or nose, or you have changes to your vision;
- you are pregnant;
- you are breastfeeding and the rash is on your breasts;
- you have a severely weakened immune system, for example from chemotherapy;
- the person affected is a child or teenager under 18.
Also see a doctor if pain continues where the rash was after it has healed. An itchy, scaly, ring-shaped rash without blisters is more likely to be kurap (ringworm), a fungal infection.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is kayap?
Kayap is the Malay name for shingles (herpes zoster), an infection that causes a painful rash with blisters, usually in a band on one side of the body. It is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, which stays in the body after chickenpox and can become active again years later.
What are the first signs of kayap?
The first signs are often tingling, burning or pain in one area of skin, sometimes with a headache or feeling generally unwell. A few days later, red blotches appear on one side of the body and turn into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that later dry and scab.
Is kayap contagious?
You cannot catch shingles from someone with shingles. But a person who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine can catch chickenpox from fluid in shingles blisters. You are only infectious while the blisters are oozing, so keep them covered and avoid pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, people with weak immune systems and newborn babies.
What is the best ubat kayap?
Antiviral tablets prescribed by a doctor can speed up recovery and lower the risk of complications, and they work best when started within 3 days of the rash appearing. Paracetamol, cool compresses, loose clothing and keeping the rash clean and dry help with symptoms. A doctor may also prescribe medicine for nerve pain.
How long does kayap last?
The rash usually takes up to 4 weeks to heal. The skin can stay painful for weeks after the rash has gone. In some people, pain lasts for months or longer; this is called post-herpetic neuralgia and is more common in older people.
Is kayap dangerous if it goes all around the body?
Shingles almost always appears on one side of the body only, and a rash on both sides is unlikely to be shingles, so it does not usually 'join up' around the body. Kayap can still be serious, especially near the eye, in older people or in people with a weak immune system, so see a doctor early.
Can you get kayap more than once, and is there a vaccine?
Yes, you can get shingles more than once. Shingles vaccines lower the risk of getting it and of serious complications. In large trials, a two-dose recombinant shingles vaccine lowered the risk of shingles by 97.2% in adults aged 50 and over. Shingles vaccines are available in Malaysia; ask your doctor whether one is right for you.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References
- Shingles — NHS
- Post-herpetic neuralgia — NHS
- Shingles vaccine — NHS
- Lal H, et al. Efficacy of an adjuvanted herpes zoster subunit vaccine in older adults. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(22):2087-2096.
- Cunningham AL, et al. Efficacy of the herpes zoster subunit vaccine in adults 70 years of age or older. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(11):1019-1032.
- San Martin P, et al. Systematic literature review of herpes zoster disease burden in Southeast Asia. Infect Dis Ther. 2023;12(6):1553-1578.
- Bibera GLG, et al. The herpes zoster patient pathway and gaps in current vaccination guidelines in Southeast Asia: summary of a Zoster Experts' Network scientific workshop. Vaccines (Basel). 2024;12(12):1433.
- Baik SH, et al. Post-marketing surveillance of a live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine (SKYZoster) in adults aged ≥50 years in Korea. Infect Chemother. 2025;57(3):368-377.
