Q: What causes shingles?
A: Shingles are caused by a reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox. It presents as a characteristic, unilateral rash/vesicles. The pain from acute shingles is due to inflammation of the sensory nerves. The vesicles are infectious to people who have not yet built up a natural defense. It is possible for a grandparent with shingles to be the source of chickenpox for one of their grandchildren.
For more information about the Pain Treatment Center, please call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373).