Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. It is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells and can become active again years later, typically when the immune system is weakened.

Key Characteristics:

  • Cause: Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
  • Appearance: The rash usually appears as a single stripe or band of fluid-filled blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of the torso or face, following a nerve pathway (dermatome).
  • Painful: Shingles is known for causing significant pain, which can be described as burning, shooting, or stabbing, and often precedes the appearance of the rash by several days.
  • Duration: The rash typically scabs over in 7 to 10 days and clears up within 2 to 4 weeks, although some symptoms may last up or beyond 12 months in people with weakend immune systems.
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Shingles treatment