Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.1,2 After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus ‘rests’ within the nervous system until it ‘reawakens’ to cause shingles.1,2 The condition typically produces a painful blister-like rash on the skin.1
In some cases, shingles can lead to serious complications like herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can persist for months or even years.1-3 These complications can significantly affect quality of life and substantial economic burden.*3,4
*Based on US population data.
References:
1. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. Health Hub. Herpes zoster (shingles). Available at: https://www.healthhub.sg/health-conditions/herpes_zoster. Accessed 21 November 2025.
3. Goh, C. L. & Khoo L. (1997). A retrospective study of the clinical presentation and outcome of herpes zoster in a tertiary dermatology outpatient referral clinic. International Journal of Dermatology, 36, 667–672.
4. Gater, A., et al. (2015). The humanistic, economic and societal burden of herpes zoster in Europe: A critical review. BMC Public Health, 15, 193.
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