Ed Sheeran Reveals Shingles Diagnosis: What to Know About the Condition
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is back in the spotlight with a “fresh start.” The pop sensation, known for hits like “Shape of You” and “The A Team,” recently updated his fans on Instagram regarding his life and where he’s headed next. In the update, he noted how he had been dealing with shingles. Here’s what to know about the condition and what Sheeran said about having it.
Ed Sheeran noted in his latest life update that he’d been dealing with shingles
Ed Sheeran is known for his chart-topping pop beats and catchy, radio-worthy hits. As of mid-2026, the pop sensation is prepping for his 2026 “LOOP Stadium Tour,” which will feature a new setup to feature his album, Play. Sheeran plans to tour across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. He’s also starting his Latin America tour dates in May 2026.
On April 28, 2026, he gave fans a life update via Instagram. He posted a carousel of photos, the first of which shows him with a shaved head.
“1. Yes I’ve shaved my hair. I wanted to shave it to signify a fresh start,” he captioned the post. “A lot of new beginnings in my life atm. I Iove it, thinking of keeping it this way.”
Further in the caption, Sheeran explained how he’s excited to head to Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile for additional tour dates. He also caught up on Stranger Things Season 4 and spent time with Martin Garrix.
Additionally, Sheeran noted that he’d been dealing with a bout of shingles. “I’ve had shingles for the last month, wouldn’t recommend it, but on the mend now,” he wrote.
What is shingles? Here’s what to know about the viral infection
Ed Sheeran is shedding light on shingles with his Instagram post. So, what is the viral infection? According to the Mayo Clinic, shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. For someone who’s had chickenpox, the virus stays in the body. Later in life, it can reactivate as shingles.
Shingles causes a painful rash that typically appears as a stripe of blisters wrapping around the left or right side of the torso. Common symptoms include pain, burning, or tingling, sensitivity to touch, a rash that begins a few days after the pain starts, fluid-filled blisters, and itching. Some people also get a fever, fatigue, headache, and light sensitivity.
While shingles isn’t life-threatening, it can be extremely painful. Some people with the viral infection mistake the pain for problems with their heart, lungs, or kidneys. And those with shingles can get a complication known as postherpetic neuralgia — a condition that prolongs the pain of the virus even when the blisters have subsided.
The risk of shingles also increases with age, with it typically occurring in those over 50. People over the age of 60 are more likely to have severe complications. The Shingrix vaccine may help prevent shingles.
We wish Sheeran a speedy recovery as he heads on the road!
