Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It primarily affects older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. While not typically life-threatening, shingles can be extremely painful and may lead to long-term nerve damage if not treated early.
After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue. Years or even decades later, it can reactivate as shingles. The condition often presents as a painful rash on one side of the body, commonly on the torso, face, or chest. The reasons for reactivation aren’t fully understood, but risk factors include aging, stress, chronic illness, or immune suppression.