Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that may cause pain,
burning, or a tingling sensation on either the left or right side of the body.
Several days or weeks later, a band, strip, or small area of rash usually
appears in the same area and progresses into blisters, which scab over before
clearing up over the next few weeks.
Shingles develops from the virus that causes chickenpox
(varicella-zoster virus). The virus remains in the nerve tissue and can become
active again in anyone who has had chickenpox. Shingles is most common in older
adults and people who have weakened immune systems because of stress, injury,
or other factors. No one knows what makes the virus active again.
A person with shingles can spread the virus until the blisters have
scabs. The spread of the shingles virus can cause chickenpox in those who have
not had it before or have not been vaccinated.
Medicines may relieve discomfort from the rash and pain. Some
people have pain that lasts after the rash is gone (postherpetic
neuralgia).
One dose of shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 60 and
older, whether or not they've had shingles before. It can help prevent shingles
or make it less painful if a person were to get it.
