What is shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a localized area.^[2][6]

Typically the rash occurs in a single, wide mark either on the left or right side of the body or face.^[1]

Two to four days before the rash occurs there may be tingling or local pain in the area.^[1][7]

Other common symptoms are fever, headache, and tiredness.^[1][8]

The rash usually heals within two to four weeks;^[2] however, some people develop ongoing nerve pain which can last for months or years, a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).^[1]