Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Shingles

Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus stays in your nerve tissue and can cause shingles later in life.

Shingles usually appears in a band, a strip, or a small area on one side of the face or body. It is also called herpes zoster.

Shingles is more common in older adults and people who have weak immune systems because of stress, injury, certain medicines, or other reasons.