Shingles, also known as herpes zoster or zona, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the nerve cells for years or decades and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles. Shingles is characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters typically occurring as a single, wide stripe or patch on one side of the body or face. Before the rash appears, there may be pain, burning, tingling, or itching in the affected area. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, and tiredness. The rash usually heals within two to four weeks, but some people may experience ongoing nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia, which can last months or years. Shingles is more common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Shingles is not contagious in the sense that you cannot catch shingles from someone else; however, exposure to the fluid from shingles blisters can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it. Vaccination is available to reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications. In summary:
- Caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus in nerve cells
- Causes a painful rash and blisters typically on one side of the body
- Symptoms include pain, itching, burning, rash, fever, headache
- Rash heals in 2-4 weeks but pain may persist longer
- More common with older age or weakened immunity
- Not directly contagious as shingles but can spread chickenpox virus
- Vaccines help prevent shingles and reduce severity
This explanation is based on medical information from reputable health sources.
