by 
The Curious Bag
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Shingles is a rash on the skin that is caused by the herpes zoraster virus, which is related to the virus that causes chicken pox. The virus stays alive in the nervous system and can re-emerge later as shingles.
Identification
The first symptom of shingles is a burning sensation on the skin that may last five to seven days. After this there will be a rash with small red blisters.
Duration
The time from the onset of symptoms until the rash heals can be three to four weeks.
Considerations
The pain in shingles is caused by the virus moving along the nerves directly from the spinal cord to the skin. When the virus erupts it forms a rash, but the nerve pain is the most striking symptom.
Warning
Shingles is very contagious. It can be passed as shingles from one adult to another if those people have had chicken pox. It can also be passed as chicken pox from an adult to a child or another adult who has never had chickenpox.
Treatment
The disease can be limited in duration by a dose of anti-viral medication given at the onset of symptoms. Shingles can be very dangerous to people who are immune compromised, like those with AIDS or cancer.
Source:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Shingles Information Page
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