Shingles is a painful condition, and a Shingles outbreak can occur to you at any time, if you've had chickenpox in the past. Learn more about this debilitating illness, what you can do to prevent a Shingles outbreak and treatments for easing the pain and discomfort of a Shingles outbreak.

Shingles Information

Shingles is a painful and persistent inflammation of the nerve endings, that is caused by re-activation of the VZV virus that is already in your body because you've had chickenpox. Shingles only affects individuals who have had chickenpox, and it is estimated that approximately 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will have a Shingles outbreak in their lifetime. A shingles outbreak causes blisters and a painful rash that can last for weeks, and can result in nerve pain that lasts for years. Treatments are available to ease the severity of Shingles symptoms and hasten recovery from a Shingles outbreak. Although not 100% effective for all patients, a vaccine is available that can reduce the odds of having a Shingles outbreak by half. If you've had chickenpox, medical professionals recommend that you receive the Shingles vaccine once you reach the age of 60.

More Shingles Topics and Information: Why is it Called Shingles? Does The Shingles Vaccine Work? How Do You Catch Shingles? How Did I Get Shingles? I Think I Have Shingles What Are The Shingles Symptoms?