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Shingles

Frequently Asked Questions

4. What causes shingles? - cont'd

Shingles blisters on the chest of an eldery person - Click to enlarge in new window.
Click to enlarge image

The virus can reactivate, especially in the later years of your life when your immunity is less resistant to infections. The virus travels from the spinal nerve cells and follows a nerve path out to the skin. Nerve endings in the skin become inflamed and erupt in a very painful rash.