Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a skin condition that appears as a blistering rash, usually on one side of the body. The individual will experience painful burning or tingling accompanied by blisters, rash, and ultimately small ulcers that may dry and crust over. Shingles is caused by the same virus, varicella zoster, that causes chicken pox. A history of chicken pox, age, stress and a weakened immune system are triggers for shingles..
History of Chicken Pox
A person who has had chicken pox continues to carry the varicella zoster virus in his system. Once the chicken pox clears, the virus can lie dormant for years. If the virus becomes active again, shingles can result.
Age
According to Shingles Info.com, increasing age is a trigger for shingles. Nearly half of the one million cases of shingles that occur each year are in people over 60 years old.
Stress
Emotional stress can cause the varicella zoster virus to become active again and cause an outbreak of shingles.
Weakened Immune System
According to WebMD.com, people with a weakened immune system are more vulnerable to an awakening of the varicella zoster virus. An example might be someone undergoing chemotherapy, which compromises the immune system.
Tags: varicella zoster, immune system, varicella zoster virus, zoster virus, active again, weakened immune