Herpes Zoster, also known as shingles, is an eruption of blisters along the path of a nerve. It is caused by the virus that causes chicken pox. The virus remains dormant in the roots of the nerves after a chicken pox infection. Aging, stress, low immunity and certain medications can reactivate it, causing blisters to erupt along the path of the nerve and severe pain, typically on the chest, face or ear. It is important to get treatment for Herpes Zoster early to reduce scarring and other complications. Treatment can reduce the pain and other symptoms during an outbreak.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation