Shingles, also known as
zoster,
herpes zoster, or
zona, is a
viral disease characterized by a
painful skin rash with
blisters involving a limited area. Typically the rash occurs on either the left or right of the body or face in a single stripe. Two to four days before the rash occurs there may be pain or
tingling in the area. Otherwise there are typically few symptoms. The rash usually heals within two to four weeks; however, some people develop ongoing
nerve pain which may last for months or years, a condition called
postherpetic neuralgia. In those with
poor immune function the
rash may occur widely. If the rash involves the eye,
vision loss may occur.