Depending on where shingles develops, it could also cause symptoms like hiccups or even loss of vision. For some people, the symptoms of shingles are mild. They might just have some itching. For others, shingles can cause intense pain that can be felt from the gentlest touch or breeze. How Long Does Shingles Last? Most cases of shingles last 3 to 5 weeks. Shingles follows a pattern: 1  The first sign is often burning or tingling pain; sometimes, it includes numbness or itching on one side of the body. 2  Somewhere between 1 and 5 days after the tingling or burning feeling on the skin, a red rash will appear. 3  A few days later, the rash will turn into fluid-filled blisters.