Shingles is a painful condition caused by the varicella zoster virus. This virus is also responsible for causing chicken pox among young individuals. To understand what causes shingles it is important to learn more about the virus. The varicella zoster virus after causing chicken pox tends to remain hidden within the body in a dormant state. The virus is then reactivated following weakened immune system due to aging and this results in the characteristic shingles rash.

While learning what causes shingles it is important to understand that the condition tends to affect people belonging to the age group of 50 years and more. This is because the condition tends to affect people suffering from weakened immune system. With age and illnesses the immune system tends to become weak and this causes the virus to be reactivated. The rash tends to follow the course of a nerve where the virus is in hiding.

To learn about what causes shingles it is also important to understand the symptoms associated with this condition. Those suffering from shingles tend to experience itching, irritation and burning on certain areas of the skin. This is accompanied with fever, chills, upset stomach and headache. Following this a rash consisting of red lumps tends to erupt in the area of irritation. This rash tends to erupt on either side of the body in the torso or waist area. In some cases it may also erupt on the face. The fluid filled blisters tend to break open and then scab over with time.

While learning what causes shingles it is also important to understand whether the condition is contagious or not. While shingles is not contagious, it is important to keep the blisters covered. If a person who has not had chicken pox or taken the chicken pox vaccine comes in contact with the open blisters of someone suffering from shingles then the person may get shingles. Research also seems to indicate that those having a family history of shingles are more susceptible to developing this condition.

The diagnosis of the condition is done based on the symptoms and the appearance of the rash. Along with this a culture of the blisters may be done for the purpose of diagnosis. In learning what causes shingles, understanding the line of treatment for this condition is also important. The treatment includes prescription of antiviral medication along with certain over the counter pain medicines and anti inflammatory medicines. The anti viral medicines that may be prescribed include acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir.

While treating the condition it is also important to ensure that the rash is kept dry. Wearing loose fitting clothes can provide a great deal of relief. Certain topical medicines and cold compresses can also help in providing relief from the pain and irritation. It is advisable for people to get a shingles vaccine as it can reduce shingles risk by almost 51%. The vaccine can also ensure that postherpetic neuralgia does not occur. In Post herpetic neuralgia the site of the rash tends to pain even after it has healed.