Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Shingles

Shingles and chicken pox are caused by the Herpes Zoster virus.

After a chickenpox infection, the viruses remain dormant in the nervous system and are kept in check by the immune system. At any time later in life, but usually in adulthood, the viruses can be reactivated, causing shingles.

‘Shingles’ comes from the Latin ‘cingula’, meaning a girdle. This refers to the shape of the rash, which follows the patterns of nerve supply to the skin. On the trunk this takes the shape of a band around one side of the body.

• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Complications

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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