Feb 18, 2026 - 6 min read
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate years or even decades later.
The immune system normally keeps VZV in check. However, when immunity wanes — due to aging, stress, immunosuppressive medications, or illness — the virus can reactivate and travel along nerve fibers to the skin, causing the characteristic painful rash of shingles.
Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, but the risk increases significantly after age 50. Other risk factors include immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, organ transplantation, and chronic stress or illness.
Shingles typically presents as a painful, blistering rash that follows a dermatomal pattern — wrapping around one side of the torso or appearing on one side of the face. Early symptoms include burning, tingling, or stabbing pain in the affected area, often before the rash appears.
The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) — persistent nerve pain that can last months or even years after the rash heals. Other potential complications include vision problems if the eye is affected, bacterial skin infections, and neurological problems such as encephalitis.
Early antiviral treatment (ideally within 72 hours of rash onset) can shorten the illness and reduce the risk of complications. The shingles vaccine is highly effective at preventing shingles and is recommended for adults aged 50 and older.
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Penvir® (famciclovir) is a prescription medicine and should only be used on the advice of a registered medical practitioner. Do not self-medicate or share the medicine with others.