The typical early onset of zoster (shingles) includes blisters in groups. The blisters often have a central depression. Grouped, depressed blisters on a red base are typical of zoster (shingles). Shingles typically has numerous grouped, small and/or large blisters, as displayed in this image. This image displays zoster (shingles) with blisters that are crusting and starting to heal. This image displays healing zoster (shingles) with the bloody crusts from the blisters beginning to fall off, leaving small skin erosions. This image displays clear, fluid-filled blisters on a background of inflamed skin typical of early zoster (shingles). The varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles can cause scarring of the cornea of your eye.
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Shingles (Zoster)  Information for adults

Picture of Shingles (Zoster): In zoster (shingles), tingling, itching, or pain can precede the skin outbreak. Divider line
In zoster (shingles), tingling, itching, or pain can precede the skin outbreak.
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References


Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1241-1243. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines and Preventable Diseases: Shingles Disease. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/dis-faqs.htm. Accessed online on January 29, 2009.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. pp.2070, 2079-2080, 2434-2437. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Mueller NH, Gilden DH, Cohrs RJ, Mahalingam R, Nagel MA. Varicella zoster virus infection: clinical features, molecular pathogenesis of disease, and latency. Neurol Clin. 2008;26(3):675-697. PMID: 18657721.

Opstelten W, Eekhof J, Neven AK, Verheij T. Treatment of herpes zoster. Can Fam Physician. 2008;54(3):373-377. PMID: 18337531.

Woolery WA. Herpes zoster virus vaccine. Geriatrics. 2008;63(10):6-9. PMID: 18828650.

Trusted Links

MedlinePlus: Shingles

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Last Modified: 12 Feb 2009
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