Shingles

Shingles is a skin rash caused by the Varicella zoster virus - the same virus responsible for chicken pox. If a person has previously had chicken pox, it is possible that they will eventually get the shingles. It often comes suddenly and unpredictably. There is a 50/50 chance that a person who reaches the age of 55 will experience the shingles. Shingles symptoms include rashes that burn and itch, persisting for months. Shingles is a treatable condition, provided a person undergoes prescription treatment within 72 hours of their first experienced symptoms.