Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is characterised primarily by a painful, blistering skin rash caused by a reactivation of varicella zoster virus from its latent state within a person's body. It is commonly preceded by a unilateral burning pain, tingling sensation and skin tenderness. Postherpetic neuralgia is a common and debilitating complication of herpes zoster and can often impair the quality of life of the affected persons. This article provides a brief overview of shingles, including the clinical manifestations, management and prevention thereof.