The appearance of shingles varies considerably... One can see this by doing a simple search of Google images.

Without antibody tests (titres) or a dermatological biopsy,
shingles can be an opinion only.

Herpes Zoster is shingles. (and chickenpox).
the lesions are similar but the distribution is different.
Chickenpox is the initial infection and may cover large areas.
Shingles is more localized, as it is only a flare.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_zoster

Now poison ivy can cause blistering with fluid etc.... and
may be confused with shingles:
https://www.google.com/search?q=pois...ed=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

My husband tends to get large blisters filled with fluid from poison ivy. But not all people do.