Stress, injury, some medications and other conditions may cause people to have weak immune systems and, therefore, become more susceptible to conditions such as shingles. Many people who have shingles may get better and never have the disease again.

Shingles may occur when a form of the herpes zoster virus that may cause chickenpox becomes active in the body. Once a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve roots. In some people, the virus may start up again, but in many the virus may lie dormant forever. Once the virus wakes up, it may not cause chickenpox again, only shingles.

The symptoms of shingles may come in stages. At fist, the patient may experience a headache or sensitivity to light. The patient may also feel like they have the flu, but without the fever. Eventually the patient may feel itching, tingling or pain in certain areas. This area may be where a rash may develop later.

The rash may turn into clusters or blisters, which may fill with fluid and crust over. Some people may experience only a mild rash, while others may not experience a rash at all. Other possible symptoms may include dizziness, feeling weak, vision changes, changes in how well the person thinks and a rash that may spread. In some cases, patients experience a pain or rash on the face that may be long-term.

There may be no cure for shingles, but certain treatments may be helpful in making the patient feel better sooner. Anti-viral medications and medications to treat long-term pain may be prescribed by a doctor. Keeping the skin clean may help to treat skin sores.

People who have shingles may spread chickenpox to those who may not have already had the disease; avoiding contact with people who have not had chickenpox may be wise. Also, avoiding individuals with weak immune systems or those who are pregnant may prevent the virus from spreading.

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