infection
Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster or zona, is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a localized area. Typically the rash occurs in a single, wide mark either on the left or right side of the body or face. Two to four days before the rash occurs, there may be tingling or local pain in the area. Other common symptoms are fever, headache, and tiredness. The rash usually heals within two to four weeks, but some people develop ongoing nerve pain which can last for months or years, a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). In those with poor function the rash may occur widely. If the rash involves the eye, vision loss may occur.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Painful rash
Causes — why it happens
- ·Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
Prevention
- ·Shingles vaccine, chickenpox vaccine (before the child gets chickenpox)
Complications
- ·, facial nerve palsy, keratitis, postherpetic neuralgia
More in Skin
EczemaPsoriasisAcneSkin cancer (melanoma)VitiligoFungal skin infectionLeprosyScabiesHives (urticaria)MelasmaCellulitisImpetigo
See all of Skin →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.