Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells and can reactivate years later as shingles. It most commonly affects older adults or people with weakened immune systems, though it can occur at any age.
The first signs of shingles often include tingling, burning, or itching in one area of the body, usually on one side. Within a few days, a red rash appears and develops into clusters of fluid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually dry out and form scabs over several weeks. The rash often wraps around one side of the torso but can also appear on the face, neck, or other areas.
The pain associated with shingles can be intense and may continue even after the rash heals — a complication known as postherpetic neuralgia. Other symptoms can include fever, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. In some cases, if the rash appears near the eyes, it can cause vision problems and requires immediate medical attention.
Shingles develops when the immune system becomes weakened, allowing the dormant virus to reactivate. Stress, illness, ageing, and certain medications can all trigger an outbreak. The condition is not spread by casual contact, but the virus can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had it, through direct contact with the blisters.
Good self-care supports healing and comfort during an outbreak. Keeping the rash clean and dry, wearing loose clothing, and avoiding scratching help prevent infection and irritation. Resting, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy immune system can also reduce the severity of symptoms.
While shingles can be painful, recovery is common, and most people experience it only once. Vaccination is available and recommended for older adults to reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications.
