Shingles

Shingles is a rash that turns into red, fluid-filled blisters. They usually dry out and crust over within 7 to 10 days.

Shingles is a rash that is caused by the same virus as chickenpox (varicella-zoster), and is characterized as a painful rash that appears on one side of your body in a band. The chickenpox virus can get reactivated by physical or emotional stress and present itself as shingles. Those with a weakened immune system are at a greater risk of experiencing shingles. If you experience numbness or burning in an area that is followed by a rash, it may be shingles and should be treated as soon as possible, as early treatment yields the best results. If you experience shingles in the eye, go to the hospital right away.

What Are Risk Factors for Shingles?

A weakened immune system might wake up the virus. After you’ve had chickenpox, you’re more likely to get shingles if you:

  • Are 50 or older
  • Are under a lot of stress
  • Have cancer, HIV, or another disease that lowers your body’s defenses
  • Have had a serious physical injury
  • Take long-term steroids or other medicines that can weaken your immune system.