Identify common symptoms, causes and spread, treatment, and risks of shingles (herpes zoster). 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 is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. What is herpes zoster? Herpes zoster is a localised, blistering and painful rash caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Herpes zoster is also called shingles. VZV is also called herpesvirus 3 and is a member of the Herpesvirales order of double-stranded DNA viruses. A person with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to anyone who isn't immune to chickenpox. This usually occurs through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. Herpes Zoster - Etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, signs, diagnosis & prognosis from the MSD Manuals - Medical Professional Version. WHO fact sheet on shingles (herpes zoster), including key facts, risk factors, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment and WHO response. Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, results from activation of latent VZV from a sensory ganglion. The virus then travels down the associated sensory nerve to the skin, leading to a characteristic dermatomal rash, usually associated with dermatomal pain. 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. 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] Learn about shingles (herpes zoster), including symptoms, underlying causes, contagiousness, vaccine options, diagnosis, and medical treatment.