Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox—the varicella-zoster virus. Even decades after you’ve recovered from chickenpox, inactive copies of the varicella-zoster virus live within your nerves. If these viruses become reactivated, then you develop shingles.
Contact with a person who has shingles could lead to chickenpox in someone who has never had chickenpox and has not received the varicella vaccine.
If you develop shingles, you will probably first notice a burning or tingling pain in a band or line along one side of your face or torso. About three days later, you’ll see a rash appear in the same area. The rash consists of fluid-filled bumps on reddened skin that eventually crust over and begin to dry. It usually takes about five weeks to recover from shingles. Some people take longer to recover and continue to have pain in the area of the rash. This complication, called postherpetic neuralgias, is due to nerve damage.
About 20% of people who have had chickenpox will develop shingles. Most people will have only a single episode of shingles. However, if you have a weakened immune system, then you may have more than one episode.What are the risk factors for shingles?What are the symptoms of shingles?How is shingles diagnosed?What are the treatments for shingles?Are there screening tests for shingles?How can I reduce my risk of developing shingles?What questions should I ask my doctor?What is it like to live with shingles?Where can I get more information about shingles?
- Reviewer: David Horn, MD
- Review Date: 05/2014 -
- Update Date: 05/17/2014 -