Shingles: Symptoms, Causes & What to Expect

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that is responsible for chicken pox. Although it is not life-threatening, it can be extremely painful. The varicella zoster virus remains dormant in your nerves after chicken pox, and years later can reemerge to bring on shingles.

Identification

• Shingles is commonly identified by its blistery rash. The rash typically wraps around the middle of the body and onto one side of the chest.

Features

• The shingle's rash is not confined to the body. It can also show up on the scalp, face and neck.

Effects

• Shingles can be excruciatingly painful. Even after the rash clears up, the area can be sensitive and painful to the touch.

Considerations

• Those with weakened immune symptoms are more prone to an outbreak of shingles.

Time Frame

• Shingles usually heals on its own within several weeks, but medication is used to treat the pain, lessen the risk of complications and speed recovery.

Prevention/Solution

• According to the Mayo Clinic, two vaccines are used to prevent shingles: the chicken pox and shingles vaccines (see Resources).