Shingles or herpes zoster is a painful rash that is caused by a virus. The varicella-zoster virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve ever had chickenpox, this virus can lay dormant in your system. Certain things may cause the virus to be reactivated, and it will return as shingles.
Shingles can occur anywhere on the body, but it follows along a nerve pathway known as a dermatome. The most commonly affected area is along the rib cage of just one side of the body. The rash often has a blistered appearance and can be quite painful.
Symptoms of shingles include:
- Rash that begins a few days after a painful skin sensation
- Itching, tingling, painful, or burning sensation of the skin
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Mild flu-like symptoms
Other than having had chickenpox, a few other things can increase the likelihood of developing shingles. These include:
- Age over 50
- Medical conditions that weaken the immune system
- Undergoing cancer treatment
- Certain medications