Shingles

Shingles is a disease that affects nerves and causes pain and blisters in adults. It is caused by the same varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. After you have had chickenpox, the virus does not leave your body, but continues to live in some nerve cells. People with shingles will feel sick and have a rash on their body or face. Chickenpox is a childhood illness, while shingles targets older people. It’s important to go to your doctor no later than a few days after the rash starts. The doctor needs to see the rash to confirm what you have and make a treatment plan. Although there is no cure for shingles, early treatment with drugs that fight the virus can help. Shingles can often be treated at home. Learn more about the condition of shingles with information on causes, symptoms, history, and treatments.