Within 2–3 days (more rarely up to 7 days), a rash typically appears in a dermatomal distribution. It starts as maculopapular lesions then develops into clusters of vesicles, with new vesicles continuing to form over 3–5 days. The rash is usually painful, itchy, and/or tingly, and, unlike other rashes, does not cross the midline of the body.
The vesicles then burst, releasing varicella-zoster virus, and crust over within 7–10 days.