Viral Skin Infections

Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) results from a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that also causes chickenpox. With shingles, usually the first thing you may notice is a tingling sensation or burning pain on one side of your body or face. Within days, tiny clusters of red bumps quickly evolve into a group of painful blisters which can pop and get crusty with pus. Unless you are immunocompromised, the rash almost never crosses the midline of your body (it’s unilateral) because it is localized to one nerve root.

The area can be very painful, itchy, and tender. After one to two weeks, the blisters heal and form scabs.

Up to 15% of people with herpes zoster develop deep pain called postherpetic neuralgia that follows after the infection has run its course. It can continue for months or even years, especially in older people. The incidence of shingles and of postherpetic neuralgia rises with increasing age. In fact, more than 50% of cases occur in people over age 60.

Shingles usually occurs only once, although it has been known to recur, usually in people with weakened immune systems.

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