---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/shingles'
title: Shingles
author:
  name: 'lauren kopchik'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/97'
date: '2018-11-08T21:36:42+00:00'
updated: '2026-10-01T20:42:02+00:00'
type: topic
summary: 'Shingles is the name for a painful, blistering skin rash that is caused by the chickenpox virus (herpes zoster or varicella zoster). Shingles almost always affects older adults, although younger people get it occasionally, too.'
tags:
  - Health
published: true
---
 Shingles is an illness that causes a sudden, painful rash with blisters. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Most people who get shingles are older adults, but younger people can get it too. About one-third of adults age 60 and older who get shingles develop nerve pain. This pain can last longer as people get older.



 



 

 [Basic Facts

 ](/a-z-topic/shingles/basic-facts) 

 

 [Causes

 ](/a-z-topic/shingles/causes) 

 

 [Symptoms

 ](/a-z-topic/shingles/symptoms) 

 

 [Diagnosis & Tests

 ](/a-z-topic/shingles/tests) 

 

 [Care & Treatment

 ](/a-z-topic/shingles/care-treatment)