Shingles is a viral disease that causes a painful skin rash, often with blisters. The rash will occur on a limited part of the body.¬† While shingles isn’t known to be life-threatening condition, it is often very painful. One estimate by the National Institute of allergy and Infectious Diseases says 20% of us get shingles at some time in their life. The disease is most common in people over 50 years of age, although you can get it at any time.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This virus also causes chickenpox. Once you have chickenpox, the virus remains with you and can then reappears as shingles. While a large number of people get shingles once, it is far less common to have a re-occurance.

Signs & Symptoms of Shingles:

- burning or shooting pain
- itching, usually on one side of body
- tingling, usually on one side of body
- Blisters
- hearing and vision can be affected if on face

There is no cure for shingles, but there are treatments for the pain and ointment to cover the rash and/or blisters.  A vaccine, for people over 60, is believed to lessen or prevent the effects of shingles.

For More Information, go to:
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/shingles/