According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), shingles, or herpes zoster, is a virus that anyone who has had chicken pox can develop. When the chicken pox virus clears, it remains dormant (inactive) within some nerve cells in the body. About 20 percent of people will develop shingles when the virus reactivates. Unlike the chicken pox, however, shingles can be extremely painful. Vaccines have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for individuals over age 60, and they may decrease the incidence of shingles by more than 50 percent, according to the AAD.
Rash
Pain, burning and tingling can precede the rash that can be identified as shingles. According to the Mayo Clinic, the rash typically appears on one side of the body, runs along a nerve, and can wrap around the back. In some cases, the shingles rash appears on the face, around the eye, or on one side of the neck. Rarely, the pain caused by shingles occurs without a rash, and in these cases, diagnosing the virus can become difficult.
Blisters
After the rash appears, fluid-filled blisters become visible. According to the Mayo Clinic, the shingles virus can resemble chicken pox, though it is evident with more pain than itching. Some individuals will find relief with prescription pain medications, such as narcotics, according to the AAD. Other medications that may be helpful are antiviral drugs (which can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms) or ant-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids (which can reduce inflammation).
Crusts/Scabs
The last stages of the shingles virus occurs when the blisters burst, causing the fluid to ooze out and eventually crust over. When the crusts, or scabs, fall off, the itching ceases and the blisters heal without scarring. According to the AAD, some people will have lingering pain that is known as post-herpetic neuralgia. When this happens, pain, itching and numbness can last from months to years. This condition is more common among older individuals, however.
