I had shingles a year ago, and was screaming with the pain. It was like spasms that would last 1-2 minutes, felt like being pinched with hot pliers. Then it would go away for a while, maybe an hour or two, unpredictable, then spasm again. Would wake me up with the pain.
Now, a firm touch is good, but a light touch (fabric, etc.) causes itching that scratching won't help.
Be sure to stay away from pregnant women when the blisters are open. -can cause birth defects.