See your doctor right away. Shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia) is a reactivation of the herpes zoster virus (varicella-zoster), the same virus that causes chickenpox. In healthy younger individuals, the chickenpox virus remains in a dormant state, but as we age and our immune system becomes weaker, the virus gets active again in about 1 in 5 people. Generally, the first signs of shingles are burning pain or sensitive skin on one side of the body in a band (following the path of a nerve). Other sensations can include tingling, itching and intense pain. Several days after, a red blistering rash commonly develops that can leave permanent scars. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis combined with antiviral therapy can limit the severity of the pain and accompanying symptoms.
