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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Overview
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains sleeping (dormant) in certain nerves in the body. As we get older, our immune system becomes weaker and may not be strong enough to control the virus. Shingles occurs if the virus becomes active again, growing down the nerves to reach the skin and appearing as small, painful blisters.
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Last Modified: 12 Feb 2009
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