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Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an uncomfortable and often painful rash. It usually appears on the abdomen or buttocks, although it may also occur on the face or arms.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is one of a variety of skin infections caused by viruses in the herpes family. When children (or adults) catch chickenpox, they contract the varicella-zoster virus. After the symptoms disappear, the virus "sleeps" in certain nerve cells within the body. During this period, the virus causes no symptoms. For many people, this marks the end of chickenpox and problems caused by primary infection with the varicella-zoster virus. Unfortunately, the virus reactivates in some people causing shingles, a skin outbreak that is different from chickenpox.
Why some people get shingles and others do not is not fully understood. There are approximately 500,000 cases of shingles each year in the United States. Shingles is most common in people over 50 years of age; however, anyone who has had chickenpox, even children, can get shingles.
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The first noticeable symptom of shingles may be a burning pain or tingling in one area of the body. Talk to your healthcare provider. Click here to learn more. |
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