Shingles is a condition that causes a painful, burning rash on the skin. The varicella-zoster virus triggers it, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in their body, hiding in the nervous system. Years later, it can reactivate as shingles, often during stress or when the immune system is weakened.
Shingles usually appear as a stripe or band of blisters on one side of the body, often on the torso, neck, or face. The rash may look different depending on your skin tone. It can appear red, pink, brown, greyish, or purple. The bumps typically turn into fluid-filled blisters, which dry out and crust over within 7–10 days.
While most cases of shingles clear up in 3-5 weeks, the condition can be harrowing. For some, the pain may persist even after the rash has disappeared. This lingering pain is called postherpetic neuralgia.
Shingles are standard, with one in three people likely to experience it in their lifetime. It cannot be spread directly to others, but the virus can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had it. Early treatment can help reduce symptoms and complications, so prompt medical attention is essential.
Shingles usually appear as a stripe or band of blisters on one side of the body, often on the torso, neck, or face. The rash may look different depending on your skin tone. It can appear red, pink, brown, grayish, or purple. The bumps typically turn into fluid-filled blisters, which dry out and crust over within 7–10 days.
While most cases of shingles clear up in 3–5 weeks, the condition can be harrowing. For some, the pain may continue even after the rash disappears. This lingering pain is called postherpetic neuralgia.
Shingles is pretty common, with one in three people likely to experience it in their lifetime. It cannot be spread directly to others, but the virus can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had it. Early treatment can help reduce symptoms and complications, so prompt medical attention is essential.
