Shingles is a painful condition that originates from a virus, varicella zoster. The varicella zoster virus produces the common childhood illness, chicken pox. Shingles is a result of the virus remaining dormant until it re-emerges as varicella herpes. Unlike chicken pox, shingles is a chronically recurring disease that can affect infected individuals for a long time. Shingles is also a more painful disease, resulting in painful rashes, weakened immune system, and nerve damage.Why Do Some People Develop Shingles?There is no scientific consensus on why some people eventually develop shingles and others do not. Typically, the immune system destroys the virus following a chicken pox episode. In some individuals, a portion of the virus remains in the spinal cord to return as shingles later in life. This disease is much more rare than chicken pox. Though it is hard to determine exactly who will end up with shingles, almost all cases occur in individuals over the age of 50. There is also some evidence that those with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop shingles.Shingles VaccineThe shingles vaccine is approved for use in individuals over 50 years of age. Like other vaccines, it works by releasing antibodies to help fight the disease. This vaccine helps reduce likelihood of contracting shingles by up to 50%. In addition, those who already have shingles may be treated with the vaccine. Although this will not cure the disease, administration of the shingles vaccine can help relieve nerve pain associated with this disease.Shingles TreatmentUnfortunately, shingles cannot be cured. However, there are some treatment options to help minimize the effects of this disease. Upon initial diagnosis, patients are typically prescribed an antiviral medication to help reduce the duration of the outbreak. Over the counter analgesics, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can be used to relieve shingles pain. Some individuals experience pain beyond the initial discomfort. In addition to over the counter analgesics, patients with chronic shingles pain may use anti-depressants, stronger pain medications, such as opioids, and topical anesthetics to deal with rashes.