Shingles is a skin rash that typically appears around the abdomen and waist. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. It can reactivate later in life, especially if the immune system becomes weakened, spreading along nerve pathways. Shingles most commonly occurs in individuals over the age of 50.
The symptoms of shingles can be quite bothersome. They often include itching in the rash area and a burning or stinging pain that can be severe. Additional symptoms may include fever, a general feeling of malaise, and swollen, tender lymph glands. The rash typically develops into fluid-filled blisters that may ooze. The fluid from these blisters is highly contagious.