Shingles-Herpes

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.

Once this virus enters the body and you've had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve ganglia and the spinal cord. In some people, the virus stays dormant forever. In others, the virus may reactivate, usually by a weakening immune system. The varicella-zoster infection spreads to skin nerves ends and causes shingles.

Shingles can onset anywhere on the body, but usually occur on the skin of the abdomen, underneath the ribs, the inside of the mouth, and the vaginal tissues. Sometimes the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face.

Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can develop shingles, and it is possible to get it more than once. Shingles need a few weeks to achieve their cycle but in severe cases may last longer.