Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash with blisters. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later as shingles.
The condition typically appears as a stripe of blisters wrapped around either the left or right side of your torso, though it can occur anywhere on your body. Common symptoms include:
- Pain, burning, or tingling sensation
- Sensitivity to touch
- Red rash that begins a few days after the pain
- Fluid-filled blisters that break and crust over
- Itching
- Fever, headache, and fatigue
It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have shingles, especially if the rash appears near your eyes or affects a large area of your body. Early treatment can help prevent long-term complications like postherpetic neuralgia (ongoing nerve pain).
