Which nerve is affected with shingles on your hand and arm?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. When someone has chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivate and travel along nerves to the skin, causing a painful rash and blisters.

The nerve that is affected with shingles on your hand and arm is the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves that control the muscles of the hand. It originates in the neck, travels through the arm and elbow, and enters the hand at the wrist. The ulnar nerve controls the movement of the fingers and thumb, and provides sensation to the palm and little finger.

Shingles on the hand and arm can cause a painful rash and blisters, as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. In some cases, shingles can also cause more serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and vision problems.

If you think you may have shingles, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment for shingles can help to reduce the severity of the symptoms and prevent complications.