Causes of Shingles
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By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD
Shingles or Herpes zoster is a reappearance of Varicella Zoster Virus that causes chicken pox. Herpes zoster is different from genital herpes that is a sexually transmitted disease. (1, 2)
How does the Varicella Zoster Virus cause Shingles?
Following the initial chicken pox infection the virus remains dormant or inactive within the nerve cells along the spine. (6)
The virus can reappear as shingles later in life often due to unknown causes. (1, 2) The virus passes down the nerve path to the surface of the skin where it causes the characteristic rash. (5)
The reactivation of the virus occurs in around one in five people who have chickenpox, and it is largely unknown why it occurs. (5)
http://www.news-medical.net/health/Causes-of-Shingles.aspx
