DefinitionShingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash due to the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox.See also: Ramsay Hunt syndromeAlternative NamesHerpes zosterCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAfter you get chickenpox, the virus remains inactive (becomes dormant) in certain nerves in the body. Shingles occurs after the virus becomes active again in these nerves years later.The reason the virus suddenly become active again is not clear. Often only one attack occurs.Shingles may develop in any age group, but you are more likely to develop the condition if:You are older than 60You had chickenpox before age 1Your immune system is weakened by medications or diseaseIf an adult or child has direct contact with the shingles rash on someone and has not had ch