According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an outbreak of rash or blisters.
Causes
According to the NINDS, shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus that also causes chicken pox. Anyone who has had chicken pox is at risk of developing shingles.
Symptoms
In addition to a rash and blisters, shingles symptoms include itching, pain, numbness and tingling or burning sensations.
Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, shingles may cause inflammation around the brain, vision loss or facial paralysis.
Diagnosis
In addition to telling the doctor your symptoms and the obvious rash, a tissue scraping of the blisters can be used to diagnose shingles.
Treatment
Medications for the pain and antiviral drugs for the virus can be used to treat shingles, according to the Mayo Clinic.
