Shingles, or herpes zoster, occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus is reactivated in your nerve tissues. Early signs of shingles include tingling and localized pain, followed by a blistering rash which scabs over and falls off after 1-2 weeks. The rash typically affects only one side of the body eg left side abdomen or right side forehead only.
Shingles are often diagnosed clinically. An experienced doctor or Dermatologist will usually be able to diagnose it just by looking at your rash. A swab test of the active blisters can also be done to check for the varicella-zoster virus.
Shingles are treated using oral antiviral medicines and painkillers can also be given to control the pain. Do see a doctor or Dermatologist early for an assessment and treatment if you are worried about your skin condition.
