Coobs, Benjamin R.2009-08-192009-08-192009-08-19https://hdl.handle.net/11299/52772The information provided in this handout does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Minnesota Medical School physicians and faculty. These materials are provided for informational purposes only and are in no way intended to take the place of the advice and recommendations of your personal health care provider. You use the information provided in these handouts at your own risk.Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful rash caused by a reactivation of the virus Varicella zoster. Varicella zoster also causes the infection chicken pox, and following resolution of chicken pox the virus can hide out in the nerves of your body. When a person has a weakened immune system, this virus can reproduce in this nerve and reappear as a painful blistering rash on your skin. This is generally a self-limited rash, but some complications exist including blindness if the rash involves your eye, persistent pain, and bacterial infection in areas of open lesions. Treatment usually includes pain medications and antiviral medications to control your pain, decrease the duration of the rash, and decrease the prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia. Other treatment options may include steroids, antidepressant medications, and topical treatments as directed by your physician.en-USShinglesHerpes Zoster,Postherpetic neuralgia,painful rashOther