Shingles – return of the chickenpox virus

Shingles is a rash caused by the varicella-zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Only people who have had chickenpox are at risk for developing shingles. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains in the body. It moves into the nerve cells, where it may remain in an inactive state for decades. If the virus becomes active again, shingles results.

The earliest sign of shingles is a tingling or burning sensation on one side of the body, usually on the face or trunk. Several days later, a rash emerges as a band of painful bumps. Headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may also occur. The rash develops into fluid-filled blisters, which break, crust over, and eventually dry out. When the blisters break, the virus can spread to people who have never had the infection. They do not get shingles, however, they get chickenpox.

From Weill Medical College of Cornell University Women’s Health Advisor