Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a disease that often causes confusion and concern when it appears, especially because many people are unaware of its origin, its real causes, and why it can manifest even in individuals who lead seemingly healthy lives. Although it’s not always discussed, it’s a relatively common condition, particularly after a certain age, and understanding it is key to acting promptly and avoiding complications.

Shingles is neither a new nor a strange disease.

It’s directly related to the varicella-zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox in childhood. What many people don’t know is that, once chickenpox has cleared up, the virus doesn’t disappear from the body. It remains dormant for years, even decades, lodged in the nervous system without causing symptoms. Under certain circumstances, it can reactivate and cause shingles.

This reactivation usually occurs when the immune system is weakened.

The body’s natural aging process, prolonged stress, chronic illnesses, medical treatments that weaken the immune system, or periods of intense physical and emotional strain can create an environment conducive to the reactivation of the virus. Therefore, although it is more common in adults over 50, it can also occur in younger people.

One of the most characteristic aspects of shingles is that it doesn’t appear suddenly without any prior warning signs.

In many cases, the first symptoms are nonspecific and can be confused with other health problems. Localized pain, burning, tingling, or hypersensitivity in a specific area of ​​the body are often the first indications. These discomforts can appear days before the visible manifestations emerge, making early diagnosis difficult if they are not monitored.

As the days pass, a localized rash usually appears, generally on only one side of the body. This pattern is not random: the virus reactivates along a specific nerve, which explains why the lesions follow a defined distribution and do not spread throughout the body. Although the external appearance is striking, specialists emphasize that the associated pain can be the most intense and persistent symptom.