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Patient information: A guide to shingles
Contents of this article
SHINGLES OVERVIEW
Shingles is a painful rash that is caused by a virus, called herpes zoster. This virus also causes chickenpox. The symptoms of shingles include itching, burning, or tingling in a band or belt-like area. Within a day or two, a rash with blisters appears on the skin. The blisters can pop, but usually scab over after about seven to 10 days.
If you develop shingles, you can take a medicine to help your body get rid of the virus. The medicine can also help prevent a painful problem called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) that develops in some people who have shingles. PHN can cause pain that lasts for weeks or even months.
You can reduce your risk of getting shingles with a vaccine. This vaccine is recommended for most people who are 60 years or older.
UPTODATE SHINGLES RESOURCES
Patient information — UpToDate has articles for family members and patients with shingles. These articles are available on the internet at www.uptodate.com/patients.
(see "Patient information: Herpes zoster (shingles)")
Premium subscription information — More detailed information is also available by subscription.
(see "Clinical manifestations of varicella-zoster virus infection: Herpes zoster")
(see "Prevention of varicella-zoster virus infection: Herpes zoster")
(see "Treatment of herpes zoster")
(see "Varicella-zoster virus infection in pregnancy")
(see "Postherpetic neuralgia")
