Get the Hang of Shingles

What are some signs of shingles?

Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles pain includes a painful rash and severe pain, numbness, tingling, or skin sensitivity. Usually shingles pain occurs only on one side of the body, but it can extend along the arms and legs. This pain starts suddenly and it is often the first sign of shingles. Other symptoms include:

• Blisters that break and crust over
• Painful red rash
• Itching
• Fever, chills, and headache
• Abdominal pain or nausea

Even if you had chicken pox as a child, you can develop shingles as an adult. Sometimes the virus stays dormant in the body for decades. Experts aren’t sure what causes the virus to re-emerge as shingles, but it is most common in people older than 60 years and people with weak immune systems due to other medical problems.

Be sure to see a clinician if you have signs of shingles, especially if the rash is near your eyes—this can lead to eye damage.

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