Shingles

Herpes Zoster

A painful viral infection caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, causing a characteristic blistering rash along a nerve path.

Shingles occurs when the dormant varicella-zoster virus reactivates, typically in older or immunocompromised individuals. It causes a painful, unilateral vesicular rash in a dermatomal distribution. Antiviral therapy (valacyclovir, acyclovir, famciclovir) within 72 hours of rash onset reduces severity and duration. Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication.