Shingles is caused by a virus, the same one that causes chickenpox. People with shingles usually had chickenpox as a child, and the virus is getting active again.

Symptoms can include:

• painful skin blisters on one side of the face or body
• some vision loss

The skin blisters can be extremely painful. Treatment is available to help the blisters heal, but there is no cure. Bathing them in mild soap and water can help. Antibiotic ointments can help keep the infection from spreading.

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