SHINGLES (Zoster) is a disease that usually starts as a painful rash on one side of the face or body. The rash forms blisters that typically scab over in 7–10 days and clear up within 2–4 weeks. Before the rash develops, there is often pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. This may happen anywhere from
1– 5 days before the rash appears. Many people experience intense nerve pain (neuralgia) at the site of the shingles rash following the acute illness. Previous varicella (chickenpox) infection is the cause of shingles. Shingles becomes more common over the age of 50. Zoster vaccination is the most effective way to prevent zoster (shingles) and the subsequent painful neuralgia.
Shingles vaccine (VIS) (131 KB)
Shingles (Zoster): Questions and Answers (86 KB)
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment--Disease Control