Shingles is a condition that is caused by a virus called the varicella zoster virus. This virus is also responsible for causing chicken pox. If a person has had chicken pox then the varicella virus tends to remain within the group of nerves in the central nervous system. However this virus tends to remain latent or dormant and does not cause any symptoms immediately. This virus is among the primary causes of shingles.

The central nervous system in the body includes the brain along with the spinal cord and this is connected in the body through nerves. Once the virus becomes active it becomes one of the causes of shingles. After the virus becomes active the symptoms of shingles are observed. It is not really understood for sure how or why the virus suddenly becomes active.

Among the different causes of shingles weakening of the immune system is regarded one of the important contributing aspects. Individuals suffering from HIV or cancer or those who have had a major surgery tend to have weakened immune system. Likewise individuals taking drugs containing cortisone or those taking immunosuppressant medications also tend to have a weakened immune system.

Varicella zoster virus which is among the causes of shingles is also called herpes zoster virus. Shingles cannot be transmitted through the air from an infected person to others. Only those individuals who have had chicken pox can suffer from shingles. This is because the dormant virus responsible for chicken pox is reactivated. The blisters in this condition contain the varicella zoster virus and this virus can be transmitted from one person to another through direct skin contact with the blisters. Individuals who are exposed to the fluid in the blisters and who have not had chicken pox tend to suffer from this condition. Among the different causes of shingles some other contributing factors include aging because of which the immune system may become weak.

Some medical treatments like radiation or chemotherapy can also result in weakening of the immune system. Increased stress along with increased alcohol intake can also cause the immune system to weaken and thereby can be some of the causes of shingles if the virus is present. The causes of shingles pain can be attributed to the inflammation of nerves lying underneath the skin.

The rash in this condition starts off with small blisters that erupt on red base. The blisters tend to follow the path of nerves and tend to have a belt like pattern. The blisters are filled with a clear fluid that tends to become cloud. With time the blisters pop and then the affected area crusts over and eventually heals.