Slide show: Common skin rashes

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Shingles (herpes zoster)

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a condition caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus). After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant, or inactive, in nerve cells. If it's reactivated during adulthood, it causes shingles.

Shingles first appears as a burning or shooting pain, tingling, or itch. A rash with small blisters — similar in appearance to chickenpox — appears later. These blisters break, leaving behind ulcers that dry and form crusts.

Shingles usually resolves within a few weeks without treatment. Antiviral drugs may lessen pain or decrease the likelihood of persistent pain after the rash has healed. Vaccination is available to help prevent recurrence, and although it's not always effective, the vaccine is recommended for most people older than age 60.

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