Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is a nerve infection caused by reactivation of the chicken pox virus (the varicella zoster virus). After an attack of chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system.
Later, the virus may be reactivated, causing shingles. This most commonly occurs in older people, those with reduced immunity, and people who are stressed or in ill health.
Symptoms of shingles include tingling, itching, and pain in an area of skin, a rash of red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters, and fever.
The blisters form scabs that may leave scars. Occasionally, shingles may affect the eyes, causing corneal ulcers, or the facial nerve, causing one-sided facial weakness or paralysis and pain that continues after the attack, a condition called postherpetic neuralgia.
The virus can be spread by direct contact and will cause chicken pox in somebody who is not immune. Treatment is with antiviral medication and pain relievers.
A vaccine is available to reduce the risk of infection.