Generally, it does not take long for shingles to begin to heal without any problems.  However, very few blisters have been known to set up a bacterial infection, leading to cellulitis.  Cellulitis is a skin infection due to bacteria.  Some signs that a person will notices if this happens, is the area might become warm, reddened, tender, or firm.  Around the wound area, an individual might also notice some red streaks that are forming.  If you have begun to notice any of those symptoms, be sure that you contact a heath professional.  An antibiotic might be needed to help eliminate the complications from becoming worse. There are also topical treatments that can be applied to help dry shingles when they begin to seep fluid, and this helps to prevent the spreading of them on the body in some cases.