Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in their body and can reactivate years later, causing shingles.
To avoid shingles, it is important to keep your immune system healthy through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Additionally, getting the shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles.

If you think you have shingles, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. Antiviral medications can be prescribed to help speed up the healing process and relieve pain. Over-the-counter pain medications and cool compresses can also help reduce discomfort.