Shingles

Shingles is a disease caused by the same virus that gives us chickenpox. After you get chickenpox, the virus that caused it can stay in your body sleeping (inactive) for many years. It can then wake up (activate) later in life and cause shingles. Shingles starts with a rash of painful, itchy, and tingly blisters that can appear in a line over your stomach, back, or face. The rash is usually very sensitive and can be very itchy and sore. Shingles can last a few weeks and some people have pain, itching, and tingly feelings for months or even years after the rash goes away.