Shingles Symptoms

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). The symptoms can include painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face and Itching, tingling, or numbness in the affected area. Also may produce a fever, headache, and chills.

The cause of shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the body after a person has had chickenpox. The virus can remain dormant in nerve cells for years before reactivating. Factors that can trigger reactivation include a age, weakened immune system and stress.