Shingles is also referred to as herpes zoster. This type of viral infection is characterized by a red skin rash that can cause pain and burning. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Shingles often causes a blistering rash and nerve pain. You might have early symptoms weeks or days before the rash appears. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and nerve damage. It’s also called herpes zoster. Shingles (herpes zoster) - an easy to understand guide covering causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and prevention plus additional in depth medical information. Identify common symptoms, causes and spread, treatment, and risks of shingles (herpes zoster). Learn about shingles signs and symptoms, serious complications, and who's at most risk. Download and share shingles vaccine social media graphics for different channels. What Causes Shingles? The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for both chickenpox and shingles. It results in a rash of blisters that can be painful and itchy. WHO fact sheet on shingles (herpes zoster), including key facts, risk factors, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment and WHO response. The chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster) causes shingles (herpes zoster), a painful, blistering contagious rash. Get the facts on shingles treatment, symptoms, complications, the vaccine, and the contagious period of this viral infection. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster or zona, [7] is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a localized area. [2][8] Typically the rash occurs in a single, wide mark either on the left or right side of the body or face. [1] Shingles, also known as herpes zoster or just zoster, occurs when a virus in nerve cells becomes active again later in life and causes a skin rash. The virus that causes shingles, the varicella-zoster virus, is the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is a member of the herpes virus family.