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Shingles
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the chickenpox virus. Symptoms include pain and a rash on one side of the body. Shingles most commonly affects older adults and people with weak immune systems.
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New PHN Drug Cuts Lingering Shingles Pain
The FDA has approved Qutenza for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), lingering nerve pain after a shingles attack. The doctor-applied patches deliver synthetic capsaicin, the chemical that makes chili peppers hot.
The FDA has approved Qutenza for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), lingering nerve pain after a shingles attack. The doctor-applied patches deliver synthetic capsaicin, the chemical that makes chili peppers hot.
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Topic Overview
What is shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a
viral infection of the
nerve roots. It causes pain and often causes a
rash
on one side of the body, the left or right. The
rash appears in a band, a strip, or a small area. Shingles is most common in
older adults and people who have weak immune systems because of stress, injury,
certain medicines, or other reasons. Most people who get shingles will get
better and will not get it again.
